HISTORIC TRIANGLE — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has provided an update on the Skiffes Creek Connector Project.
According to VDOT, crews have been hard at work this summer to build the support structures that will create the foundations for two bridge crossing between Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) and Merrimac Trail (Route 143).
At each site, the work that continues includes placing below-grade support piles as part of a reinforced concrete pier and abutment footings for each bridge.
Construction on retaining walls for each bridge has also begun. According to VDOT, tiered concrete footers for cast-in-place concrete retaining walls have been poured for the Skiffes Creek bridge. Additionally, precast concrete panels have been erected to make up the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall. VDOT notes that these walls are supported with the placement of large stone beds, reinforced steel anchors and concrete panels.
Activities in areas of construction have included relocating power and telecommunication utilities, maintaining temporary storm water basins and critical environment facilities and geotechnical exploration for signal foundations at the routes 60 and 143 intersection.
Once the project is complete, the Connector will have a two lane bridge over Skiffes Creek and another crossing Route 143 along with its adjacent CSX railroad tracks.
Lane shifts continue along Route 143, impacting travel along the roadway. VDOT requests that motorists remain alert and reduce speed while traveling this way. It also asks that motorists be mindful of the crews working alongside the road and of large work vehicles that may be turning in and out of construction sites.
VDOT lists the following to occur throughout this fall:
- Continued work on substructure elements for bridges over Skiffes Creek and Route 143 / CSX rail line
- Utility relocations at Route 60 and Route 143 connector points
- Beginning of intersection improvements including signalized intersection at Route 60
- Storm drainage installation
- Earth moving activities for roadway construction
- Excavation for permanent stormwater facilities
