WILLIAMSBURG — Colonial National Historical Park is inviting the public to learn more about its upcoming extensive rehabilitation project for the Colonial Parkway.
According to the Colonial National Historical Park, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund is providing approximately $123 million for the first major, holistic rehabilitation project for the parkway since its full length opened to traffic in 1957.
The park service said necessary repairs from mileposts 0.17 to 1.61 and mileposts 6.02 to 14.88 are scheduled to begin in August 2023 and last three years.
“Once this work is completed, park visitors and the local community will benefit from a safer scenic parkway for years to come,” said Superintendent Jerri Marr. “We appreciate motorists’ patience during the rehabilitation project and will do our best to reduce driver inconveniences without sacrificing the quality of this vital work.”
Those interested in learning more about the construction project and its timeline are invited to attend an informational public meeting on Thursday, June 22, from 6-8 p.m. The meeting will be held at Quarterpath Recreation Center, Multi-Purpose Room 2 at 202 Quarterpath Road.
The meeting will be in open house format, with brief presentations at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Those unable to attend in person will be able to review the information after the meeting on the project’s website.
The upcoming work includes the rehabilitation of approximately 10 miles of parkway and 11 bridges, according to the park service, including the replacement of two bridge decks and repairs to the Williamsburg Tunnel. Original historic fabric and materials will be preserved in place when possible and replicated where replaced. Approximately 60% of the pavement surface in these segments will be replaced.
The project will also address serious deficiencies in access ramps, drainage structures, road shoulders, signs, and guardrails, officials said. Rehabilitation of the stormwater drainage systems and improvements achieved by incorporating best management practices will decrease erosional impacts to cultural and natural resources associated with the Chesapeake Bay.
The project was awarded to the Wagman/JMT Design Build Team for a total of approximately $123 million in March 2023.
The Colonial Parkway Rehabilitation website will be updated with important project news and information regarding closures, detours and other impacts, the agency said.
