HENRICO COUNTY – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is in the final construction phase for the I-295 flyover project located just west of Richmond in the bustling Short Pump area. The $67 million project is approximately 92 percent finished with final completion expected in May 2009.

One major component of the project is the new flyover bridge that will carry I-64 east drivers to I-295. VDOT and the contractor are currently addressing specification compliance issues that need to be resolved prior to opening the new bridge to traffic. VDOT Project Manager Ray Johnston compares this final phase for the new flyover bridge to the walkthrough a home buyer would do with a builder prior to closing on a house. “Like a home buyer, VDOT wants to ensure we get what we paid for and the structure lasts for years to come.” Much of the remaining work will be done overnight and may go unnoticed by travelers.

VDOT expects to open the structure to traffic in February 2009—possibly sooner if final repairs can be made while traffic is on the bridge.

The current loop from I-64 east to I-295 south carries approximately 10,500 drivers per day. This route will remain in place until the new flyover bridge is open. “VDOT recognizes that the existing interchange is not ideal for the number of travelers who use that route, hence the reason for the new flyover bridge,” says Johnston. “However, we built this flyover bridge for our great grandchildren to enjoy and want to be sure it’s ready for many years of service before opening it to traffic. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this important final phase.” 

In order to keep this project on schedule, the contractor will continue with other activities while final work on the flyover bridge is underway. Remaining activities on the project include:

• Rehabilitation of the existing I-295 north bridge over I-64
• Demolition of the I-295 south bridge over I-64
• Completion of the soundwall behind Cobblestone Landing and Waters Edge (Twin Hickory neighborhoods) adjacent to I-295 north
• Widening ramps to and from I-64 west at I-295
• Final asphalt paving on the ramps to and from I-64 west (the temperature must be over 50 degrees to pave per specifications)

As these items are completed, concrete barriers, traffic barrels and other traffic devices will be removed from the roadway to allow for smoother traffic flow.

For more information about the I-295 flyover project including the project schedule and photos of the construction, visit http://www.i295flyover.com. Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained at http://www.511Virginia.org.

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

Page last modified: Dec. 31, 2008