In Design: Skiffes Creek Connector

The purpose of the Skiffes Creek Connector is to create efficient local connectivity between Route 60 and Route 143, in the area between Route 199 and Route 238, in a manner that improves safety, emergency evacuation, and the movement of goods along the two primary roadways.

This project is included in the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization's FY2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program, and was added to the 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan as a stand-alone project for preliminary engineering and right-of-way.

The Skiffes Creek Connector project consists of design and construction of:

• a new two-lane connecting roadway between Route 60 and Route 143,
• new turn lanes and intersection improvements,
• two bridges—one bridge over Skiffes Creek and one bridge over the CSX railroad tracks and Route 143,
• and the addition of a multi-use path along eastbound Route 60 between Green Mount Parkway (route 774) and the existing bus stop.

The project is being delivered as a Design-Build Project to assist in expediting delivery. Using this method, the design-build contractor will be able to perform final design, right of way acquisition and utility relocation and some construction activities concurrently.

Benefits 

This project will provide strategic connectivity between U.S. Route 60 (Pocahontas Trail) and State Route 143 (Merrimac Trail) in the vicinity of the Walmart Distribution Center in James City County to redirect industrial traffic away from James River Elementary School, reduce traffic from the Lee Hall community in the city of Newport News, and provide long-range, additional access to Fort Eustis. 

The project will improve safety, emergency evacuation, local connectivity and the movement of goods along the two primary roadways. These improvements are also critical to the regional transportation system to provide improved access to Virginia's ports and enhanced accessibility to existing corporations. 

The Skiffes Creek Connector will address the following needs:

• Improved local connectivity – there is inadequate and or inefficient connectivity points between these two primary routes;

• Provide efficient connectivity for local truck movement – there are known truck destinations along the corridors; and

• Emergency evacuation capability – connectivity between identified evacuation routes should be enhanced to support connectivity and efficiency. 

Major Milestones 

Begin Study/Environmental Assessment (EA): September 2017

Project Scoping/Environmental Analysis/Public Involvement:  September 2017 - November 2018

Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) Action on Location Decision: December 2018

FHWA Issued "Finding of No Significant Impact" Decision on NEPA Study: March 2019

Project Updates

• Project design is currently underway
• Geotechnical work began in April 2020
• Construction activities currently estimated to begin spring 2021