Virginia spending nearly $174 million on transportation infrastructure

Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has committed nearly $174 million to upgrade the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Sixteen contracts have been awarded to companies that will complete the projects. Among the major projects is a $38.7 million highway project to build a grade-separated diverging-diamond interchange at the intersection of the U.S. 460 bypass and Southgate Drive at the entrance to Virginia Tech University. The at-grade T-intersection has the only remaining traffic signal along this limited-access highway.

The CTB is also devoting $23.4 million to widen a one-mile-plus section of Turnpike Road in Portsmouth, from two to four lanes, and add a center left-turn lane, sidewalks, curbs and a gutter. This should reduce traffic congestion and improve the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

The state is also spending nearly $61 million to pave and resurface several roads and highways.