Virginia

[74/171FAN]

Photos from April 21st along I-81 NB/VA 100 NB at VA 99/SR F047 (Exits 94A-B):  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10220259468317379&set=a.10220259629721414)



So we go from Service Road to an Old Route 100 reference



Back to Service Road



May as well do the VA 99 NB Exit while I am at it.

[WillWeaverRVA]

The first phase of the Powhite Parkway (VA 76) extension into southwestern Chesterfield County appears to now be funded:

https://richmondbizsense.com/2024/05/30/chesterfield-board-oks-bond-issuance-to-fund-powhite-extension-other-road-projects/

Granted, the first phase doesn't really go very far - it stretches from the current terminus westward to SR 668 Woolridge Road north of Swift Creek Reservoir (which itself is being extended to connect to an orphaned piece of SR 668 near Midlothian, which currently ends at VA 288). It is still under design, and the second phase to actually extend VA 76 to US 360 is still unfunded.

[74/171FAN]

^I want to be more intrigued by the extension of Nash Rd (SR 636), but outside of maybe relieving the VA 10/SR 655 (Beach Rd/Lori Rd) intersection some, I question how useful it will be.

[WillWeaverRVA]

^I want to be more intrigued by the extension of Nash Rd (SR 636), but outside of maybe relieving the VA 10/SR 655 (Beach Rd/Lori Rd) intersection some, I question how useful it will be.

That's its exact purpose, but I don't know how effective it'll be. The only real effect will be just adding a signal to VA 10.

[sprjus4]

The first phase of the Powhite Parkway (VA 76) extension into southwestern Chesterfield County appears to now be funded:

https://richmondbizsense.com/2024/05/30/chesterfield-board-oks-bond-issuance-to-fund-powhite-extension-other-road-projects/

Granted, the first phase doesn't really go very far - it stretches from the current terminus westward to SR 668 Woolridge Road north of Swift Creek Reservoir (which itself is being extended to connect to an orphaned piece of SR 668 near Midlothian, which currently ends at VA 288). It is still under design, and the second phase to actually extend VA 76 to US 360 is still unfunded.

The first phase appears to construct only about a mile of new roadway, but will also construct an interchange at Charter Colony Parkway and overpasses at Brandermill Parkway and Watermill Parkway, which are all currently at-grade intersections.

This first phase would mean that the Powhite Parkway would extend west of VA-288 as a full freeway for 3 miles. And it does not appear this portion will be tolled unlike east of VA-288 is.

This seems small, but this nearly $200 million project will get the ball rolling for eventual extension through Magnolia Green and all the way to US-360 in the near future hopefully.

[WillWeaverRVA]

This seems small, but this nearly $200 million project will get the ball rolling for eventual extension through Magnolia Green and all the way to US-360 in the near future hopefully.

I sure hope so, because US 360 is a traffic nightmare between Woodlake and VA 288 despite being 8-laned for most of that stretch. The fact that this segment is finally funded gives me hope that it'll get done in my lifetime. 

[WillWeaverRVA]

The old, and infamously now erroneous US 1 overheads in Fredericksburg will soon be no more, as they are being removed as part of a project to improve the Falmouth Bridge next month.

https://x.com/VaDOTFRED/status/1796557646725525663

[Hunty2022]

I may try to plan a trip out there to see them myself before they get removed.

[1995hoo]

BOOOOOOO. Accurate or no, VDOT doesn't make nice-looking signs like that anymore. The state route shield, in particular, has morphed into a rounded blob.

[Mapmikey]

They were out surveying this morning in connection to this.

I believe this is the oldest BGS in Virginia currently.  Also curious if they will replace it with an accurate BGS or just rely on surface signage and the small accurate BGS on the other side of the bridge.

[snowc]

I may try to plan a trip out there to see them myself before they get removed.

Going through Fredericksburg in 27 days to New York State. So possible for me.

[snowc]

Oh yeah, speaking of such, here's another thing.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rqTKAoLF8wfAQWiCA

Why does this show an EZ Pass entrance yet this goes right to Exit 133 from Exit 130? I have seen signs that don't show this anywhere in VA.

[snowc]

This happened overnight Sunday night into Monday morning...

NEW SEGMENT OF EXPRESS LANES TO OPEN IN CHESAPEAKE

CHESAPEAKE – Starting as early as overnight Sunday, Feb. 18, into Monday morning, Feb. 19, motorists can enjoy the benefits of a new third travel lane open on I-64 between the I-664/I-264 Bowers Hill interchange and the I-464 interchange in Chesapeake, constructed as part of the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) I-64 Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge Expansion Project. 

These new lanes, combined with VDOT's recent conversion of the previous HOV-2 restricted lanes to Express Lanes between the I-464 and I-264 interchanges, establishes the new Hampton Roads Express Lanes Chesapeake Segment that will soon operate as high-occupancy tolled Express Lanes to help manage traffic flow and congestion on I-64 between the I-664/I-264 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake and the I-264 interchange in Norfolk. 

Once these lanes open to traffic, all motorists—whether driving alone or with passengers—are invited to test drive the new Chesapeake Express Lanes toll-free for the next several weeks to familiarize themselves with navigating this new roadway and its multiple entrance and exit points along the corridor.

While final tolling systems testing and installation of remaining white delineator posts and pavement markings are underway, motorists may encounter additional lane closures during the daytime and overnight hours as needed. These closures ensure the safety of our crews while still allowing the region's motorists the benefit of earlier access to these new travel lanes as soon as possible outside of these closure periods.

Upon the start of Chesapeake's high-occupancy tolling operations, estimated to begin no earlier than March 17, motorists driving alone will now experience additional commuting choices. These solo drivers are now provided the option to choose the free general purpose lanes or pay a variable toll to use the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass transponder—an option not previously available to solo drivers under the former HOV-2 restrictions during peak travel periods. For vehicles with two or more passengers, the Express Lanes will remain free with a required E-ZPass Flex transponder switched to "HOV-On." Regardless of which lanes motorists choose, Express Lanes are designed to improve congestion and overall travel times for motorists in both the general purpose and Express Lanes.   

In addition to the Chesapeake Express Lanes operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the tolling operations schedule for the existing I-64 Norfolk Reversible Express Lanes, located between the I-264 and I-564 interchanges, will also transition to continuous high-occupancy tolling operations full-time as soon as the Chesapeake Express Lanes' tolling begins.

The Chesapeake and Norfolk Reversible Express Lanes will ultimately become a part of an overall continuous 45-mile Express Lanes network on I-64 from the Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake to Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. As traffic demand continues to increase in the region, incorporating the high-occupancy tolling Express Lanes model provides an additional approach to managing congestion long-term and providing a more reliable travel network. 

For more information on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes network, operations, and to view an interactive map, visit www.64expresslanes.org/drive.

After nearly 6 years of construction, originally to be completed in 2021, one new HO/T lane is open to traffic between Bowers Hill (I-64 / I-664 / I-264 / US-58) and I-464 in either direction. For the next month or so, the lanes will be toll free. Beginning mid-March, tolling will be in effect 24/7, and will also become 24/7 in Norfolk in the reversible lanes which were never tolled outside of rush hour. This is a recent change silently made by VDOT, as the new lanes and existing lanes were originally to be 5-9am and 2-6pm tolling only. HOV vehicles with 2 or more passengers and an E-ZPass Flex transponder will be free.

The HOV lane in either direction between I-464 and I-264 in Norfolk has also been repurposed to a HO/T lane and is now divided by a double solid line (and will soon have flex posts installed). The speed limit on the general purpose lanes has been restored to 60 mph, and the express lane has a posted speed limit of 65 mph between either end of I-264.

Welp, can't use my Quick Pass on there, since it is HOV only! 

[sprjus4]

Welp, can't use my Quick Pass on there, since it is HOV only! 

None of the tolled HO/T lanes in Hampton Roads require HOV. If your QuickPass has E-ZPass compatibility, then it will work. Being single occupancy simply means you will pay the posted toll rate. Having an E-ZPass Flex and being HOV simply allows you free travel.

No different than the I-95 / I-495 / I-395 lanes in Northern Virginia, and the I-77 lanes in Charlotte.

[74/171FAN]

Something I noticed in regard to VDOT's recent website change is that they are linking to the the Wayback Machine for past Traffic Data.

[sprjus4]

Something I noticed in regard to VDOT's recent website change is that they are linking to the the Wayback Machine for past Traffic Data.

VDOT did an overhaul of their website recently, and something I noticed is that a lot of pages (and especially files on even active pages) did not properly transfer over - often leading to a "file or page not found" error.

I'm guessing this is their way of trying to fix it.

[Mapmikey]

Oh yeah, speaking of such, here's another thing.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rqTKAoLF8wfAQWiCA

Why does this show an EZ Pass entrance yet this goes right to Exit 133 from Exit 130? I have seen signs that don't show this anywhere in VA.

These are CD lanes that go past Exit 133 where there is a ramp to the express lanes. No idea what your second thought is trying to say.

[plain]

I don't know when this image was taken, maybe right around 1980. This is the intersection of US 33/250 & VA 161 in Richmond. Why was US 1/301 posted here? Even if it had a "TO" banner at the top (looks like it had something on top but it's covered or something), it still doesn't make much sense.



moto g pure

[Mapmikey]

most likely a detour posting.  Historicaerials doesn't have anything close to 1980 to see if US 1-301 was under construction or closed.

[1995hoo]

Driving to Reagan Airport recently, I discovered that the old bus stop on inbound I-395 just north of the exit for the airport and Boundary Channel Drive is now blocked off with pylons similar to the type used on the Beltway and I-66 to separate the express lanes from the mainline. Made me wonder if they started having a problem with people driving through the old bus stop to try to cut ahead of other traffic.

No current Street View, but here's one from May 2023. For those unfamiliar with the location, I'm referring to that single "lane" between the two curbs at the left-center part of the image.

[1995hoo]

Arlington Cemetery has a tweet today about the Air Force Memorial being closed on July 4 because of all the construction going on. The tweet includes the photo below, which gives a pretty good idea both of the progress on the realigned Columbia Pike and of where the new alignment will be. For those unfamiliar with what's going on, the cemetery is being expanded to include the former Navy Annex site—the area behind the memorial in this view—and the area below the memorial. The camera angle is looking roughly to the southwest. The road at the bottom is the existing Columbia Pike, with the cemetery's service entrance at the bottom center (they sometimes open that gate to let family pass holders exit or enter on especially busy days—I have a family pass and I've exited via that route on occasion).

[FLAVORTOWN]

Looks like VDOT is replacing these BGSes on VA-267 near VA-123. The new ones are staged on the grass. https://www.google.com/maps/@38.9287669,-77.2022187,3a,75y,309.92h,91.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scpyoPzU2NuwiJo_WqX4tjw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Wish they would stop using that god awful clearview font...

[snowc]

Looks like as well, no more 25mph speed limits on some local roads!
FULL ARTICLE HERE

NORFOLK, Va. — A bill that would expand Virginia localities' authority to reduce speed limits to less than 25 miles per hour has been signed into law by Youngkin.

The bill introduced by Delegate Betsy Carr allows cities to reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour but not less than 15 miles per hour on state highways in either business or residence districts.

The bill also authorizes localities to restore a speed limit that was reduced under the new law. Localities are required to notify the Commissioner of Highways of a change in speed limit.

During an interview with the Virginia Mercury, Del. Carr explained that the bill is meant to help reduce pedestrian deaths.

"In 2019, we hit a new record number of pedestrian deaths and, despite the reduction in driving during the pandemic, speeding fatalities increased. We had 123 pedestrian fatalities in 2020. One in six people killed on Virginia's roads is on foot now."

The law will go into effect on July 1.

[1995hoo]

Note that while that article says "cities," the actual bill is not so restrictive and instead refers to "localities." I think we can be reasonably confident that Arlington and Alexandria will be very excited to jump on this one and impose lower speed limits.

I prefer nothing lower than 25 mph in residential areas because that is the lowest speed at which my cruise control will work.

[Mapmikey]

Fredericksburg already has 20 mph speed limits downtown on state highways...