Work on the Longhill Road Improvements Project began Thursday, Nov. 14.
The Virginia Department of Transportation announced Thursday construction would begin on the project, which covers the expansion of Longhill Road.
The project is set to expand the road from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway stretching from east of Williamsburg West Drive through the Olde Towne Road and Devon Road intersection and up to Glenburnie road.
There will also be a landscaped roundabout built on Longhill Road and Williamsburg Plantation Drive. The roundabout is designed for a more efficient entry and exit location for drivers on the road.
Additionally, the area will also see an enhance in bicycle, pedestrian and bus accommodations through a one-foot shared-use path, crosswalks and pedestrian push buttons. There will also be greater bicycle accessibility with the expansion in width of the outside lane.
The project comes after a $10.2 million construction contract was awarded to Branscome, Inc. in September.
In the coming weeks, drivers can expect to see construction crews and the instillation of temporary construction signage, along with a slit fence. Crews will also start clearing and grubbing operations along the project corridor, according to VDOT.
During the beginning stages of the project, there will be a temporary sidewalk for pedestrian access as well as utility construction activities.
Roadway widening activities are expected to start early next year near Williamsburg Plantation Drive.
During construction, officials said the VDOT and contractors would try to mitigate traffic issues as much as possible. Throughout the project, there will be a minimum of one lane open to traffic in each direction on Longhill Road between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
There will also be single-lane flagging operations in place as needed on Longhill and Olde Towne Road. These will allow traffic to flow in each direction and alternate on the single open lane between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Single-lane flagging operations on adjacent side streets will be placed as needed between 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to VDOT.
Drivers should be aware plans are subject to change and there may be additional lane closures or traffic shifts during the project.
During construction, drivers will still be able to access local businesses and residences along the road, officials said.
For more information, visit VDOT online.
