Ironbound Road Widening Update

Saturday, December 04, 2010

A $16.6 million road widening project along a few blocks of Ironbound Road is now underway after more than 10 years’ delay, and an updated schedule puts completion at winter of 2012.

When the project was first approved, the intent was to decrease expected congestion in the area from Strawberry Plains Road to the Longhill Connector Road (about a mile total). Portions of the road will be widened from two to four lanes, turn lanes will be created, and a shared-use recreational path will be created. The road crosses areas in both James City County and Williamsburg.

Aside from accommodating additional traffic, the project will improve safety and turning around Berkeley Middle School and, through the multi-use path, the project will add safe riding and walking areas along the busy road.

James City County added additional rights-of-way and easements to accommodate construction, so residents along Ironbound Road between Watford Lane and Carriage Road will lose driveway access from Ironbound Road. The James City County Housing Authority will coordinate driveway relocation with those affected.

The project will move forward in three phases, the first of which began this fall. During phase one, traffic will remain in its existing configuration. Significant construction activities will occur north of New Town Road on the west side of Ironbound Road. Phase one is estimated to be completed in fall 2011.

Phase two, estimated to begin in fall 2011 and end in fall 2012, includes several traffic shifts as newly constructed lanes are open. Construction activities will be concentrated in the Strawberry Plains Road corridor and on the east side of Ironbound Road throughout the project length.

Phase three will begin in fall 2012 and will include the final configuration on Ironbound Road at Carriage Road. Crews will work on medians, curbing, crosswalks and landscaping.

During all three phases of construction, transit services might be altered to reduce potential delays to passengers as a result of construction activities.

To receive e-mail project updates, send a request to hamptonroadspublicinfo@VDOT.virginia.gov with "Subscribe to Ironbound Project Updates" in the subject line. For more information, call VDOT at 1-800-367-7623.