Under Construction
Midlothian Turnpike and German School Road, Richmond |
| Flood management project |
Project at a Glance
January 2011
Est Completion Date
August 2013
Cost
$45.1 million ($31.5 million-Midlothian Turnpike portion; $13.6 million German School Road portion).
Lengths and Limits
Chippenham Parkway (Route 150) to Covington Street
Contractor
American Infrastructure-VA Inc. of Chantilly, VA
District
Richmond
Contact
VDOT Richmond District
800-367-7623
Richmond Dept. of Public Works
804-646-5607
What's being done?
Approximately two miles of Midlothian Turnpike (Route 60) from Chippenham Parkway (Route 150) to Covington Street will be improved as a part of a flood management project. This improvement project involves the installation of curbs, gutters, turn lanes, sidewalks, landscaping, streetlights, storm drains and four transit bus pullouts. The contractor will also install a closed drainage system to allow rain water to flow underneath the road and out into Reedy Creek. Improvements to traffic signal coordination are also planned.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will also make additional improvements on German School Road from Glenway Drive to Warwick Road. Although the project is within Richmond city limits, VDOT will administer the project under the Urban Construction Initiative.
Construction photos on Flickr
Why is this project necessary?
Currently, this section of Midlothian Turnpike has deep roadside ditches and poor drainage. The road is prone to flooding during storms, particularly at Reedy Creek on German School Road. Upgrading the drainage system will greatly reduce the risk of flooding and increase public safety. The project also includes constructing a portion of German School Road to tie into the Reedy Creek culvert. The Reedy Creek drainage improvement project was a separate project constructed and administered by the City of Richmond and completed in fall 2008.
How will construction affect traffic?
Numerous businesses along the Midlothian Turnpike corridor will be impacted by construction. The following streets will also be affected:
• Greshamwood Place
• Arcadia Avenue
• Carnation Street
• Oak Glen Street
• Old Warwick Road
• LaBrook Concourse
• German School Road
• Giant Drive
• Erich Road
• Overnite Drive
• Agency Avenue
There will be alternating lane closures on Midlothian Turnpike (east and westbound) overnight and during the day. Traffic on German School Road will be detoured in several phases throughout construction and detour routes will be posted.
To reduce overnight disruption to nearby residents, German School Road construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overnight work on German School Road will occur only when utility shutdown is needed.
Approximate daily traffic counts
Midlothian Turnpike - 44,000
German School Road - 6,500
How is this project funded?
This $45.1 million project was funded with federal and state contributions—80% federal, 18% state and 2% city. State contributions were allocated from urban construction funds.
For more information
City of Richmond news release: City and VDOT to Begin Construction on Midlothian Turnpike and German School Road (Dec. 28, 2010)
Transportation Board Awards Two Contracts for $45 million (Nov. 2, 2010)
For more information on City of Richmond services and schedules, please visit www.RichmondGov.com.
