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I-95 Lane Reconfiguration North of I-295 North of Richmond

Started by plain, April 29, 2017, 02:14:27 PM

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plain

Newark born, Richmond bred


Beltway

Line shifting has been completed on the NB roadway where the left lane dropped and the roadway went from 3 lanes to 2 lanes just before merge with I-295 traffic.  Now the three I-95 lanes are continuous and after the I-295 merge there are 5 lanes and there is 0.6 mile to where the right lane exits for the Atlee/Elmont interchange, then 4 lanes continue on I-95, and a mile later the left lane drops and 3 lanes continue on NB I-95.  Still a work in progress, they will probably repave the area. 

This is something I have wanted to see since the interchange was rebuilt 10 years ago at Atlee/Elmont, as I could see unopened pavement to the right that would make this possible.

So no longer does NB I-95 reduce to less than 3 lanes.

That left 4th lane is being extended about 0.8 mile northward with construction underway.
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jeffandnicole


1995hoo

He's referring to just north of Richmond.
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74/171FAN

FYI, I went ahead and added plain's post from the general VA thread and made this one that covers the entire project as there are going to be lane reassignments on I-95 NB and SB here.

-Mark
I am now a PennDOT employee.  My opinions/views do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of PennDOT.

plain

I was about to say when did I create a topic I know I was pretty faded at the casino last night but damn  :-D

@Beltway I think this is long overdue as well... there could've been a lot less headaches if they would've done this very simple project around the time of that SR 656 project. I'm hoping one day that it will be 8-laned up to VA 207 (I don't see widening being needed from that point to Fredericksburg) but when VDOT rebuilt the VA 54 overpass they didn't leave much room underneath for the extra lanes smdh
Newark born, Richmond bred

74/171FAN

Quote from: plain on May 21, 2017, 01:26:54 PM
I was about to say when did I create a topic I know I was pretty faded at the casino last night but damn  :-D

@Beltway I think this is long overdue as well... there could've been a lot less headaches if they would've done this very simple project around the time of that SR 656 project. I'm hoping one day that it will be 8-laned up to VA 207 (I don't see widening being needed from that point to Fredericksburg) but when VDOT rebuilt the VA 54 overpass they didn't leave much room underneath for the extra lanes smdh

It automatically defaults to whoever made the first post in the topic.  Yours just happened to be before this thread had started.

When I first saw this project was happening, my mind basically thought,  "They may as well go ahead and 8-lane it to VA 54 now while they are at it.".
I am now a PennDOT employee.  My opinions/views do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of PennDOT.

plain

I couldn't agree more. That stretch to Ashland has been 6 lanes since its 1963 opening. It should be more than obvious to the state that it cannot handle today's level of traffic... it's been terrible on weekends for years now and lately it's been getting sluggish during rush hour
Newark born, Richmond bred

cpzilliacus

Quote from: plain on May 21, 2017, 01:45:19 PM
I couldn't agree more. That stretch to Ashland has been 6 lanes since its 1963 opening. It should be more than obvious to the state that it cannot handle today's level of traffic... it's been terrible on weekends for years now and lately it's been getting sluggish during rush hour

Up to the mid-1980's, I believe I-95 from Ashland all the way to the vicinity of Chopawamsic Creek at the boundary between Stafford County and Prince William County (also Exit 148, MCB Quantico, unsigned Russell Road) was four lanes.  VDHT (immediate predecessor agency to VDOT) widened it in one big project from four to six.
Opinions expressed here on AAROADS are strictly personal and mine alone, and do not reflect policies or positions of MWCOG, NCRTPB or their member federal, state, county and municipal governments or any other agency.

plain

Quote from: cpzilliacus on May 21, 2017, 06:33:03 PM
Quote from: plain on May 21, 2017, 01:45:19 PM
I couldn't agree more. That stretch to Ashland has been 6 lanes since its 1963 opening. It should be more than obvious to the state that it cannot handle today's level of traffic... it's been terrible on weekends for years now and lately it's been getting sluggish during rush hour

Up to the mid-1980's, I believe I-95 from Ashland all the way to the vicinity of Chopawamsic Creek at the boundary between Stafford County and Prince William County (also Exit 148, MCB Quantico, unsigned Russell Road) was four lanes.  VDHT (immediate predecessor agency to VDOT) widened it in one big project from four to six.

Yes this is true. The section in question though (from VA 54 Ashland to where I-295 is now... and really technically down to Exit 73 Maury St) has always been 6 lanes.

When I-95's widening to 6 lanes north of this was occurring it was already clogged and I remember this when I was a kid when I first came to Virginia with my family.. so I'm sure VDOT was already behind the times then (no surprise).

With more people utilizing the "back door" (US 301/VA 207) now plus the ever increasing traveler traffic not utilizing the back door it seems logical to expand the interstate from I-295 up to VA 207.
Newark born, Richmond bred

cpzilliacus

Quote from: plain on May 21, 2017, 08:16:59 PM
With more people utilizing the "back door" (US 301/VA 207) now plus the ever increasing traveler traffic not utilizing the back door it seems logical to expand the interstate from I-295 up to VA 207.

Though I have never found U.S. 301 (even the roughly 22 miles of two lane undivided road from Mechanicsville north almost to VA-207) to be congested.  Just be mindful of the posted speed limit, especially passing Hanover CH.

I have experienced congestion on 301 approaching the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River, and well into Maryland. 
Opinions expressed here on AAROADS are strictly personal and mine alone, and do not reflect policies or positions of MWCOG, NCRTPB or their member federal, state, county and municipal governments or any other agency.

Beltway

Quote from: plain on May 21, 2017, 08:16:59 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on May 21, 2017, 06:33:03 PM
Quote from: plain on May 21, 2017, 01:45:19 PM
I couldn't agree more. That stretch to Ashland has been 6 lanes since its 1963 opening. It should be more than obvious to the state that it cannot handle today's level of traffic... it's been terrible on weekends for years now and lately it's been getting sluggish during rush hour
Up to the mid-1980's, I believe I-95 from Ashland all the way to the vicinity of Chopawamsic Creek at the boundary between Stafford County and Prince William County (also Exit 148, MCB Quantico, unsigned Russell Road) was four lanes.  VDHT (immediate predecessor agency to VDOT) widened it in one big project from four to six.

Actually about 7 separate segment contracts, but conceptually one program.  Widened 58 miles from VA-54 at Ashland to VA-619 at Triangle, from 4 to 6 lanes, built 1980-87, joining the original 6-lane sections at either end.

Quote
Yes this is true. The section in question though (from VA 54 Ashland to where I-295 is now... and really technically down to Exit 73 Maury St) has always been 6 lanes.

Correct.  The R-P Turnpike from Maury Street northward was built with 6 lanes from inception, as was I-95 from the RPT to VA-54 at Ashland.

Quote
When I-95's widening to 6 lanes north of this was occurring it was already clogged and I remember this when I was a kid when I first came to Virginia with my family.. so I'm sure VDOT was already behind the times then (no surprise).

VDH wanted to build the Ashland-Triangle segment with 6 lanes from the beginning, but the Bureau of Public Roads only approved the 90% share of federal funding for 4 lanes.  Same situation with I-495 between I-95 and the GW Parkway, VDH wanted 6 lanes and the BPR only funded 4 lanes.

IOW, VDH wanted all of I-95 north of Richmond to have at least 6 lanes (3 each way) when it was originally built.

Quote
With more people utilizing the "back door" (US 301/VA 207) now plus the ever increasing traveler traffic not utilizing the back door it seems logical to expand the interstate from I-295 up to VA 207.

I support widening I-95 from I-295 to VA-123 to 4 general purpose lanes each way, regardless of what else is built with C-D lanes and reversible roadway.  Already is 4+ north of VA-123.

The lowest AADT on I-95 north of Richmond is about 87,000 near Ladysmith.  Needs 8 lanes...
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Beltway

Quote from: plain on May 21, 2017, 01:26:54 PM
@Beltway I think this is long overdue as well... there could've been a lot less headaches if they would've done this very simple project around the time of that SR 656 project. I'm hoping one day that it will be 8-laned up to VA 207 (I don't see widening being needed from that point to Fredericksburg) but when VDOT rebuilt the VA 54 overpass they didn't leave much room underneath for the extra lanes smdh

I didn't realize that this topic had already been posted... thanks!

I observed the building of the replacement VA-54 bridge over I-95.  The old bridges were worn out and had obsolete vertical clearances.

The abutments are far enough apart that I believe that by building retaining walls built right in front of the abutments and with use of the median, that there is space for 5 lanes each way, full shoulders right and left, and the deceleration lane for the NB loop ramp.

Another note, not sure if this is part of the Atlee/Elmont project, just noticed this today --

On NB I-95 the right lane has been dropped via signs and paint lines, and the ramp from I-64 EB to I-95 NB now has exclusive access to the right lane on I-95 NB.  3 lanes drops briefly to 2 lanes.

I know there is a major drop in traffic on I-95 between the exit ramps and entry ramps to and from I-64.  I hope that this new configuration (which does not look temporary) does not cause backups on I-95 NB.

Certainly will be a major improvement for I-64 and I-195 traffic merging onto I-95 NB.

I-64 had a short acceleration lane on I-95 NB, and that did cause backups on I-64 and I-195.  The ultimate solution studied is to extend that acceleration lane, but that will be expensive as a local offramp would need to be relocated.  So the new configuration may last until that project is built.
http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

plain

Quote from: Beltway on May 21, 2017, 09:54:08 PM
Another note, not sure if this is part of the Atlee/Elmont project, just noticed this today --

On NB I-95 the right lane has been dropped via signs and paint lines, and the ramp from I-64 EB to I-95 NB now has exclusive access to the right lane on I-95 NB.  3 lanes drops briefly to 2 lanes.

I know there is a major drop in traffic on I-95 between the exit ramps and entry ramps to and from I-64.  I hope that this new configuration (which does not look temporary) does not cause backups on I-95 NB.

Certainly will be a major improvement for I-64 and I-195 traffic merging onto I-95 NB.

I-64 had a short acceleration lane on I-95 NB, and that did cause backups on I-64 and I-195.  The ultimate solution studied is to extend that acceleration lane, but that will be expensive as a local offramp would need to be relocated.  So the new configuration may last until that project is built.

No that's a whole different (and just as badly needed) project. I-95 NB traffic at this junction (Bryan Park Interchange) will not be affected much by the lane drop because much of the rush hour traffic originating from the I-95/I-64 overlap continues onto I-64 WB at this point, being replaced by traffic originating from I-64 EB/I-195 NB via that entrance ramp. The ramp for Exit 80 VA 161 definitely has to go though to eliminate that horrible merging situation. Hopefully VDOT will start the removal and replacement within the next year or so.
Newark born, Richmond bred

Beltway

Quote from: plain on May 22, 2017, 03:05:14 PM
Quote from: Beltway on May 21, 2017, 09:54:08 PM
Another note, not sure if this is part of the Atlee/Elmont project, just noticed this today --

On NB I-95 the right lane has been dropped via signs and paint lines, and the ramp from I-64 EB to I-95 NB now has exclusive access to the right lane on I-95 NB.  3 lanes drops briefly to 2 lanes.

I know there is a major drop in traffic on I-95 between the exit ramps and entry ramps to and from I-64.  I hope that this new configuration (which does not look temporary) does not cause backups on I-95 NB.

Certainly will be a major improvement for I-64 and I-195 traffic merging onto I-95 NB.

I-64 had a short acceleration lane on I-95 NB, and that did cause backups on I-64 and I-195.  The ultimate solution studied is to extend that acceleration lane, but that will be expensive as a local offramp would need to be relocated.  So the new configuration may last until that project is built.
No that's a whole different (and just as badly needed) project. I-95 NB traffic at this junction (Bryan Park Interchange) will not be affected much by the lane drop because much of the rush hour traffic originating from the I-95/I-64 overlap continues onto I-64 WB at this point, being replaced by traffic originating from I-64 EB/I-195 NB via that entrance ramp.

Agreed ... that is what I meant by "a major drop in traffic on I-95 between the exit ramps and entry ramps to and from I-64."

Quote
The ramp for Exit 80 VA 161 definitely has to go though to eliminate that horrible merging situation. Hopefully VDOT will start the removal and replacement within the next year or so.

Is there a project for that?  Today I tried that exit from I-95 NB to VA-161 Exit 80, and it is doable but dicey.

There have been studies for that whole Bryan Park Interchange with various ideas about how to improve it.  Problem is the space constraints for expansion including the parkland itself.
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plain

it's in VDOT's long range plans for I-95 in the Richmond area, though over the last year or so certain long range plans across the state have been becoming reality fast, which is why I'm feeling optimistic about it. The ultimate plan is to close the entrance/exit ramps at VA 161 Lakeside Ave/Hermitage Rd and move them to Dumbarton Rd instead, thus providing a huge improvement to traffic flow in the area both NB & SB.
Newark born, Richmond bred

Beltway

Quote from: plain on May 22, 2017, 03:29:10 PM
it's in VDOT's long range plans for I-95 in the Richmond area, though over the last year or so certain long range plans across the state have been becoming reality fast, which is why I'm feeling optimistic about it. The ultimate plan is to close the entrance/exit ramps at VA 161 Lakeside Ave/Hermitage Rd and move them to Dumbarton Rd instead, thus providing a huge improvement to traffic flow in the area both NB & SB.

I heard about that project, would probably be somewhere in here --
http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/richmond/i-95_corridor_improvements.asp

There is land available for southerly ramps at Dumbarton Road, and Dumbarton has 4 lanes divided so it should be able to handle the traffic.
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epzik8

That little part of I-95 north of exit 84 is a mess anymore.
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plain

UPDATE: the median south of Exit 89 (SR 802 Lewistown Rd) has been cleared. It looks like it's in preparation for the installation of a Jersey Barrier. Progress on the median has been a little slow, most likely due to the excessive rain we've been getting in the area over the last month or so. On the NB side, there are obvious signs of the plans to expand that carriageway from 3 lanes to 4 (from where the current 4 lane section ends to Exit 89).

Also, a separate project but still in the area, the overpass widening and interchange modification at Exit 89 itself is looking to be well on schedule and I anticipate everything in this project to be completed soon. There is plenty of room under the new overpasses for future highway expansion which, judging by the traffic I was just sitting in, will hopefully be discussed seriously by officials soon.

EDIT: I typed SR 809 at first instead of the correct SR 802 for Lewistown Rd
Newark born, Richmond bred

froggie

"Discussed seriously" is one thing.  Being funded is totally different (and more complex).

plain

Quote from: froggie on July 08, 2017, 04:31:04 PM
"Discussed seriously" is one thing.  Being funded is totally different (and more complex).

I realize that
Newark born, Richmond bred

Beltway

Quote from: plain on July 08, 2017, 12:49:46 PM
UPDATE: the median south of Exit 89 (SR 809 Lewistown Rd) has been cleared. It looks like it's in preparation for the installation of a Jersey Barrier. Progress on the median has been a little slow, most likely due to the excessive rain we've been getting in the area over the last month or so. On the NB side, there are obvious signs of the plans to expand that carriageway from 3 lanes to 4 (from where the current 4 lane section ends to Exit 89).

Also, a separate project but still in the area, the overpass widening and interchange modification at Exit 89 itself is looking to be well on schedule and I anticipate everything in this project to be completed soon. There is plenty of room under the new overpasses for future highway expansion which, judging by the traffic I was just sitting in, will hopefully be discussed seriously by officials soon.

There is sufficient space at the new VA-54 overpass bridge at Ashland.  The backwalls extend well below ground level and the sloped aprons can be removed in the future as they are cosmetic and not structural.

Adequate space for eight 12-foot general purpose lanes, one 12-foot auxiliary lane, and four 12-foot shoulders.
http://www.roadstothefuture.com
http://www.capital-beltway.com

Baloney is a reserved word on the Internet
    (Robert Coté, 2002)

NJRoadfan

As of today, this project still isn't finished. I-95's left lane ends pretty quickly after the I-295 merge at the moment.

plain

Quote from: Beltway on July 08, 2017, 09:26:33 PM
Quote from: plain on July 08, 2017, 12:49:46 PM
UPDATE: the median south of Exit 89 (SR 809 Lewistown Rd) has been cleared. It looks like it's in preparation for the installation of a Jersey Barrier. Progress on the median has been a little slow, most likely due to the excessive rain we've been getting in the area over the last month or so. On the NB side, there are obvious signs of the plans to expand that carriageway from 3 lanes to 4 (from where the current 4 lane section ends to Exit 89).

Also, a separate project but still in the area, the overpass widening and interchange modification at Exit 89 itself is looking to be well on schedule and I anticipate everything in this project to be completed soon. There is plenty of room under the new overpasses for future highway expansion which, judging by the traffic I was just sitting in, will hopefully be discussed seriously by officials soon.

There is sufficient space at the new VA-54 overpass bridge at Ashland.  The backwalls extend well below ground level and the sloped aprons can be removed in the future as they are cosmetic and not structural.

Adequate space for eight 12-foot general purpose lanes, one 12-foot auxiliary lane, and four 12-foot shoulders.

Yes, though I still think VDOT could've saved a little $$ in the future if the aprons wasn't sloped to begin with.

Also I'm editing my last post about Exit 89 (not sure why I typed SR 809 instead of SR 802)
Newark born, Richmond bred

jcn

They are also reconfiguring the lanes on I-95 in Baltimore.



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