Construction of the first segment — a nearly 5.6 mile stretch from Jefferson Avenue to Yorktown Road — is underway with concrete barriers scheduled to go up in early January.
Most of the work will take place in the median, limiting the impact to motorists. But the existing travel lanes will be narrowed, and the addition of the barriers will leave little room for emergency vehicles and recovery space for crashes. Additionally, there tend to be more accidents in construction zones, officials said.
VDOT and public safety officials have had several conversations in recent months to address concerns that increased congestion could delay emergency response. The conversations prompted VDOT to make some changes, and communication is ongoing in attempt to mitigate potential issues, officials said.
"We try to involve everybody possible who will be involved with this project," Jim Stanek, VDOT incident management coordinator, told firefighters and police during a recent meeting. "If you think we need to change something, we need to hear from you."
Editor’s note: John Haldeman sent this letter to Michael Hipple, chairman of the James City County Board of supervisors, with copies to other board members. He wanted to share it with local residents as well.
Dear Mr. Hipple:
During the supervisors’ work session on November 24th, you and Supervisor...
Editor’s note: John Haldeman sent this letter to Michael Hipple, chairman of the James City County Board of supervisors, with copies to other board members. He wanted to share it with local residents as well.
Dear Mr. Hipple:
During the supervisors’ work session on November 24th, you and Supervisor...
Work zone a challenge for first responders
The heavily-congested segment is already a challenge for first responders with more crashes than other areas on the interstate, officials said. It is also difficult for crews to get around the traffic, and there is a five-mile stretch between Jefferson Avenue and Fort Eustis Boulevard without any exits. Additionally, the fire department's policy currently does not allow firefighter-medics to use the emergency crossovers, which are in need of repair to support the weight of large emergency vehicles.
Stanek said VDOT is planning to repave some of the crossovers over the next several months, but fire officials said that won't help much. Even crossovers in good shape are a last resort because using them can be dangerous. Drivers behind the trucks don't always pay attention when they slow down to turn onto the crossovers. Motorists traveling in the opposite direction often don't move over or slow down to allow the trucks to safely get back on the interstate.
A Newport News fire truck was involved in a major accident several years ago while attempting to use a crossover because a driver behind it wasn't paying attention, according to Battalion Chief J. Douglas Carper II.
"Oftentimes it's the traffic behind us," Carper told the Daily Press. "Folks just don't slow down on the interstate."
Reducing congestion
VDOT officials have made some changes hoping to mitigate potential issues in the work zone. The existing outside shoulder was widened to allow more space for emergency vehicles and accident recovery. Additionally, a tow truck will be on site to quickly clear disabled vehicles and minor incidents during the entire project, Stanek said.
"We don't want disabled (vehicles) sitting on the shoulder and getting hit," he said.
Fire officials said overall they are pleased with how VDOT has responded to their concerns. It is the first time VDOT has invited the department to participate in a project, Carper said.
"This is a work in progress … but all the players are working really, really hard," he said.
Fire officials said they hope drivers will do their part by being aware of their surroundings.
"Pay attention," Battalion Chief Stephen Pincus said. "If you see lights in the distance, you definitely need to slow down … and move over."
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