Study Of Interstate 95 Underway In Virginia

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Virginia officials are working on a study on what improvements can be made to Virginia's portion of Interstate 95. This covers 179 miles between the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Alexandria down to the North Carolina border.

The study will identify problematic areas of I-95 and possible solutions, as well as estimated performance improvements based on funding availability. It comes after the Virginia General Assembly directed officials to study how I-95 can be improved. Officials plan to study the corridor throughout the summer, prepare a draft plan report in the fall, and report findings to the General Assembly before the January 2020 session.

The public can provide feedback on what improvements are needed. Three upcoming meetings will seek to identify issues along the corridor. This includes crash frequency, crash severity, delays and incidents that close travel lanes for more than an hour. Officials will give a brief presentation followed by an open house. Anyone attending can speak with team members conducting the study and provide written comments.

The meeting details are as follows:

• Thursday, July 18, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. South County Middle School, 8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079
• Tuesday, July 23, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Thursday, July 25, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Virginia State University Multipurpose Center, 20809 2nd Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803

An online survey will be available starting July 15. Respondents will be asked how they travel the corridor, what types of improvements would benefit them and what are their areas of concern.

Comments will also be accepted by emailing study manager Ben Mannell at VA95corridorplan@VDOT.Virginia.gov or mailing to 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219. The first public comment period will end on Aug. 21.

The study is being conducted by the Commonwealth Transportation Board with support from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, Virginia Department of Transportation and Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Visit VA95Corridor.org for updates on the I-95 study.