Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is set to hold a design public hearing on March 26 regarding the proposed plans for widening approximately one mile of Route 60, also known as Pocahontas Trail, in James City County. The project aims to address congestion delays, improve emergency response access, and enhance bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Additionally, it seeks to improve drainage features and expand transit infrastructure.

The proposed project involves reconfiguring the current two-lane roadway into three lanes. This includes a continuous center left-turn lane and one travel lane in each direction. The plan also incorporates an 8-foot shared-use path and a 5-foot sidewalk. Other elements include new crosswalks, pedestrian refuge areas, curb and gutter improvements, lighting enhancements, transit stop upgrades, and utility improvements.

The design public hearing will take place at James River Elementary School from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 26. Attendees will have the opportunity to review project plans and exhibits, interact with VDOT representatives for questions and information, and provide input on the proposal. The meeting will be conducted in an open house format without a formal presentation.

Comments from the public can be made orally or in writing during the hearing or submitted by April 5 to Wali Zaman, P.E., Project Manager at VDOT. Submissions can be mailed to VDOT's Suffolk office or emailed with "Route 60 Widening Project Comment" as the subject line.