PROJECT UPDATE
DECEMBER 30, 2019
BRICK MASONRY BEGINS ON
COLONIAL PARKWAY BRIDGES
Parkway Traffic to be Reduced to One Lane Under Temporary Signal Control during Overpass Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Work
As a distinct fixture in the overall historic Colonial Parkway experience for the last 50 years, VDOT and the National Park Service recognized the importance of maintaining the historic aesthetics of the overpass bridges carrying I-64 over Colonial Parkway once interstate expansion was completed.
 
Just as the existing bridges were built in the 1960's to mimic the 1930's brickwork of other bridges along Colonial Parkway, special consideration and efforts have been made to match the size, color and shape of the bridge brickwork to be used in construction of the new sections of bridge, as well as in repairing the existing sections. Brick manufacturer and supplier, Calvert Masonry, traveled to the bridge site from Manassas no less than five times to match and perfect the brick colorization and produced approximately 60,000 bricks in the first firing for the job. Custom molds were also utilized to ensure the unique shape of the bricks for the bridge archways.
 
In order to ensure the safe removal of some existing brickwork and reconstruction of the new brickwork over and directly adjacent to the roadway, a long-term, single-lane closure will be in place on Colonial Parkway starting as early as mid-January 2020. During the closure, traffic will be alternated in each direction using a temporary traffic signal equipped with a video detection system.
 
Starting as early as the last week of December, portable changing message signs (PCMS) will begin notifying motorists of the upcoming traffic pattern change. Stay tuned for schedule updates via the digital message boards on-site, email traffic alerts, the I-64 Widening website and VDOT Hampton Roads Facebook group. 
SEGMENT III PROJECT UPDATE
Bridge and Median Construction Activity Underway
Despite decreasing temperatures, progress on the project continues to steadily heat up along the 8.2 miles of interstate and six bridges within the Segment III corridor, located roughly between the two Route 199 exits (Exit 234 and Exit 242) in York County.
 
Crews are continuing drainage pipe installations, earth-moving operations, and work on various stages of the layers of roadway for widening in the median. Clearing and grubbing operations are also taking place on the outside shoulders in areas of future stormwater ponds.
 
In multiple locations throughout the corridor, a majority of the roadwork for the new lanes in the median is nearly complete, with final paving work to begin once weather and temperatures allow. Traffic is continuing to travel along the outside lanes of I-64; however, the next phase of traffic shifts to the newly constructed median lanes are currently estimated to begin this spring or sooner, weather permitting.
 
Environmental controls also continue to remain an important focus for the project team. Not only does this include the continual inspection, maintenance and installation of erosion and sediment controls in place throughout the project site, but new measures are also being installed on a regular basis. Examples of these include the recent installation of a turbidity curtain in Queens Lake and continued construction underway of both temporary and permanent stormwater management facilities.
 
The three sets of bridges on the project are also seeing construction activity as follows:
Lakeshead Drive Bridges

The rehabilitation work and replacement of the existing bridge bearings on the I-64 bridges over Lakeshead Drive have been completed. Pile driving operations, placement of structural concrete at pier footings and columns, and the setting of bridge girders for the new sections of the Lakeshead Drive bridges have also been completed as seen pictured at the right.

Starting after the new year, occasional flagging operations may still occur on Lakeshead Drive on a less frequent basis to allow for the safety of motorists and crews during some of the planned bridge demolition and construction activities.
Colonial Parkway Bridges
Excavation for the abutment footings and wing walls have been completed and are currently being formed and poured on the I-64 bridge over Colonial Parkway.

A long-term, single-lane closure alternating each direction of traffic via a temporary traffic signal on Colonial Parkway is anticipated to begin in early 2020 to begin the formation of the bridge arches and masonry work. 
Pouring one of the abutment stem walls for the eastbound Colonial Parkway bridge.
Pouring the middle footing for one of the abutments on the westbound Colonial Parkway bridge. (Pictured in both photos above.)
Queens Creek Bridges
Unlike the other four Segment III bridges being rehabilitated and widened, the east- and westbound bridges on I-64 over Queens Creek will receive a full replacement.

Construction of the temporary trestle bridge and causeway has been completed, providing construction access over the water.

Structural concrete has been placed at all pier cap locations, and test and production pile driving operations have been completed for the new westbound bridge.

Crews are continuing to set girders, place steel, and pour the bridge decks for the new westbound bridge.

A temporary traffic shift moving eastbound traffic to the newly constructed westbound bridge is anticipated to begin as early as this spring to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the eastbound bridge.
Pictured above: Bridge deck pour on westbound spans 'D' & 'E'. Pictured below: Tying deck reinforcement on westbound spans 'C' & 'D'
Pier cap bearing area preparation on new westbound Queens Creek bridge.
Beam erection on one of the spans for the new westbound Queens Creek bridge.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Lane Closures:
Each week's scheduled lane and ramp closures can be found on the project website on the Traffic Alerts page. All construction work and closures are dependent upon weather conditions.

A consecutive, long-term full ramp closure on Route 143 Merrimac Trail north to I-64 west continues. Traffic will follow detour signage in place directing motorists to the Route 143 south on-ramp to I-64 west during the closure.

Alternate Routes:
Avoid the backups and find alternate routes around the work zone by viewing the  Alternate Routes Map now available on the I-64 Widening website.
REDUCED SPEED AHEAD
Please obey the reduced 55 mph speed limit which is in effect 24/7 in both the east- and westbound work zones of the project, between the eastern Segment II project limits near Yorktown Road (exit 247) and the western Segment III project limits near Route 199/Lightfoot (exit 234).
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