NORFOLK, VA – Construction is underway on Norfolk’s first SMART SCALE Project: Virginia Beach Boulevard Improvements at Newtown Road. Next week will begin Phase 2 where westbound travel will reduce from two lanes to one wide lane (15 feet). This lane reduction will occur during daytime hours. At the end of the day, lanes will be restored back to two 11-foot lanes. Phase 2 completion anticipated January 2021.
The project, about 0.3 miles in length, expands the capacity of Virginia Beach Boulevard from four to six lanes, in a critical segment that connects an eight-lane section in Norfolk and a six-lane section in Virginia Beach.
The $3.5 million project will remove portions of an outdated feeder road system that presents operational and safety challenges along Virginia Beach Boulevard between Clarence Street and Newtown Road. The new cross-section will also widen the median, improve drainage, as well as add sidewalks and planting strips along this heavily utilized transit corridor. Major intersection improvements will occur at the Newtown Road intersection to relieve congestion and add pedestrian crossings.
