The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is inviting the public to a design hearing on November 18 to discuss proposed plans for improving pedestrian safety along West Mercury Boulevard (Route 258) in Hampton. The targeted segment stretches from Kilgore Avenue to Build America Drive and includes four crossings at Interstate 64 ramps.
The proposed improvements involve building a five-foot-wide sidewalk on the north side of Mercury Boulevard between Kilgore Avenue and Build America Drive. Additional measures include new signage, pavement markings, rapid flashing beacons at crossings, and increased lighting for better visibility. VDOT also plans to reduce the I-64 westbound on-ramp from Mercury Boulevard to one lane to enhance pedestrian safety at that location.
The public hearing will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eaton Middle School, located at 2108 Cunningham Drive in Hampton. According to VDOT, “The purpose of the meeting is to give the public an opportunity to review the project exhibits on display, meet with VDOT representatives to ask questions and obtain project information, and provide input. This meeting will be held in an open-house style format with no formal presentation. Media are invited to attend.”
Community members can provide feedback during the hearing or submit comments by November 28, either by mail or email as detailed by VDOT: “The public may provide oral and written comments at the hearing or submit them by Nov. 28, 2025, to Sydney French, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, Virginia 23435, or via email to Sydney.French@VDOT.Virginia.gov. Please reference ‘West Mercury Boulevard (Route 258) Pedestrian Improvements Project Comment’ in the subject line.”
Further details about the project are available on VDOT’s website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/mercury-boulevard-pedestrian-improvements/.
