Another item has been crossed off the long list of things that must happen before crews can begin work to widen Interstate 64 on the Peninsula.
The Federal Highway Administration signed the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the widening of I-64 from I-95 in Richmond to I-664 in Hampton. As it stands, $100 million in funding exists to widen the road between Jefferson Avenue (exit 255) in Newport News to about 1,000 feet west of Fort Eustis Boulevard (exit 250).
The environmental impact statement is the result of a rigorous analysis of where the work will take place. That document identifies potential ways the work could impact the environment, looking at such areas as air quality, historic properties, noise, right of way and more. To read the complete FEIS, click here.
Local and state transportation officials want to widen the road for that entire stretch, which according to Virginia Department of Transportation estimates would cost as much as $7.3 billion. The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization, which identifies and prioritizes transportation projects in the region, has identified widening I-64 from Jefferson Avenue to Route 199 in Lightfoot (exit 234) as a major priority. That stretch of road will be widened first.
“The signing of the FEIS is a critical step toward advancing improvements to highly traveled and congested areas of I-64 for commuters and travelers alike,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell in a news release announcing the FEIS signing. “The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worked diligently with the public, localities and the FHWA to get environmental work to a pivotal stage. Most importantly, because of the historic transportation funding package passed this year with bipartisan support, we now have the funding available to move past studies and into actual construction.”
Several more steps remain before work can begin. The Federal Highway Administration will now have to issue a record of decision for widening segments of the road. The project must also be added to the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s six-year plan, which currently features only the segment of I-64 between Jefferson Avenue and Fort Eustis Boulevard.
VDOT officials hope to begin construction on the stretch of road between Jefferson Avenue and Fort Eustis Boulevard in 2014. VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick said in October the work to widen the segment between Jefferson Avenue and Fort Eustis Boulevard will take two years, possibly stretching into a third.
Related Coverage:
- VDOT: I-64 Widening Pre-Construction Work Moving at ‘Breakneck Speed’
- With HRTPO Vote, Interstate 64 Widening Could Stretch to Lightfoot
- VDOT: I-64 Widening Will Go From Jefferson Ave. To At Least Ft. Eustis Blvd.
- VDOT Crews Surveying on I-64 to Prepare for Widening Project
- Public-Private Partnership Could Speed Up I-64 Improvements
- I-64 Widening from Williamsburg to Newport News Gains Momentum
- Transportation Bill Signing Likely Clears Way for I-64 Widening
- I-64 Widening Potentially on the Horizon
- Local Officials Push I-64 Widening in Transportation Bill Discussions
- New Lanes on I64? Maybe, as VDOT Hosts First Meeting on Options
