Witchduck Road Expansion

 
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Background

Witchduck Road is a major artery between Virginia Beach Boulevard and I-264. The city of Virginia Beach planned for an expansion of the roadway to improve both traffic flow and overall safety.

Challenge

Accommodating traffic flow involved widening Witchduck Road from four to six lanes, including widened outside lanes for bicycle traffic, streetscaping and improved pedestrian facilities. The roadway provides a vital link for the community by connecting I-264 and Virginia Beach Boulevard; traffic had to be maintained at all times. In addition, the city desired all utilities to be relocated underground, which required a major effort among all utility stakeholders.

Solution

Woolpert provided multiple services for this project, from preliminary engineering through construction administration. The project team collected existing traffic data and collaborated with the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission to project 2028 traffic volumes. These preliminary efforts determined that Witchduck Road needed the following changes:

  • Roadway widened to six lanes
  • Number of intersections reduced
  • Traffic signal system updated
  • Pedestrian and bicycle facilities improved for the community, including access to the Housing Resource Center

Woolpert worked with the city and other stakeholders to develop and analyze four different alternatives for the reconstruction of Witchduck Road. The preferred alternative widened the road to six lanes, eliminated multiple intersections and modified traffic patterns to improve traffic flow along Witchduck Road. Southern Boulevard was realigned to create a signalized intersection at the I-264 on ramp and a new road was designed to connect Mac and Price Streets to Southern Boulevard. These improvements required significant right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation. Extensive utility coordination efforts, including a meeting of all utility owners at Woolpert’s Chesapeake office, reduced conflicts and scheduling issues during construction when the existing utilities were relocated into the underground duct bank.

The reconstruction and widening of Witchduck Road required modification of the existing dual trunk storm sewer system and construction of a regional best management practice. Woolpert helped the city purchase the properties on the west side of Witchduck Road for the creation of the regional BMP which improved existing stormwater runoff conditions and prevented reconstruction of the existing system.

Additional project elements included existing pavement evaluation, curb and gutter installation, sanitary sewer modifications, water main relocations, street lighting, extensive temporary traffic control, parking lot modifications and landscaping.

Outcome

The project provided the necessary reconstructions and additions to accommodate additional traffic flow along Witchduck Road, which is critical to the regional transportation network as a result of the I-264 flyover ramp that connects Greenwich Road to Cleveland Street. These improvements also allow easier access to the Housing Resource Center.

Benefits

The reconstruction of the Witchduck corridor provides Virginia Beach with a roadway capable of handling a large volume of traffic. The corridor also has a fresh appearance with new sidewalks and streetscape features. The project was completed prior to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s opening of the Cleveland Street flyover ramp that was constructed as part of the I-64/I-264 interchange improvements project.

Client
City of Virginia Beach

Location
Virginia Beach, VA

 Services

  • Preliminary engineering
  • Construction administration