VDOT’s Six-Year Improvement Program funds 26 transportation projects in Henrico

Twenty-six transportation projects in Henrico County are set to receive a total of about $99 million as part of the the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Six-Year Improvement Program through the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The SYIP outlines more than 4,300 potential transportation projects designed to improve Virginia's infrastructure statewide (and estimated to cost about $28 billion overall) that could be funded during a six-year period, but only the first of those years actually is funded. Plans for the remaining five years estimate projected expenditures for priority projects.

The 26 slated to receive funding in Henrico are among nearly 100 total transportation projects identified as needs in the county (estimated to cost about $629 million in total). The remaining 72 projects are tentatively targeted for funding in fiscal years 2028 to 2032.

At a spring CTB hearing focused on the SYIP, Henrico County Director of Public Works Terrell Hughes said he was pleased with the projects that will be funded in Henrico. The funding will help new projects like the multi-use Fall Line Trail and paths off of the Virginia Capital Trail progress, and other structures, including bridges in the county, remain in good repair.

“We're always grateful for our regional partnerships for funding that help us construct projects countywide,” said Henrico Public Works spokesperson Beth Sanmartin. “There are a large number of projects this program is helping to fund. Two that we're very excited to have received funding for are the New Market Heights Trail and Doran Road roundabout projects. The Six-Year Improvement Program is allowing us to make our roadways safer and provide greater connectivity for residents.”

The VDOT funded projects in Henrico County are divided almost evenly between those that are pedestrian-focused and projects focusing on roads, bridges and highways.

Henrico pedestrian-focused projects

The 12 pedestrian-focused projects funded in the current fiscal year in Henrico
County include:

• $4.4 million for pedestrian and bicycle facilities on Woodman Road from Mountain Road to 300' south of Terry Drive;

• $4 million for pedestrian and transit stop improvements on West Broad Street;

• $3.4 million for pedestrian and transit stop improvements on West Broad Street;

• $3 million for facilities For pedestrians and bicycles at the Woodman/Greenwood roundabout to 500 feet west of Branch Road;

• $3 million for facilities for pedestrians and bicycles from Route 360 at Laburnam Ave. to Richmond;

• $2.6 million for pedestrian improvements on West Broad Street at Glenside Drive;

• $2 million for a roundabout at Route 5 and Doran Road and realignment of
Buffin Road;

• $1.2 million for the New Market Heights Trail, with facilities for pedestrians and bicycles from the terminus of New Market Trial to Kingsland Road;

• $1.5 million for intersection improvements at West Broad Street and Glenside Drive;

• $1.3 million for multimodal and safety improvements on Nine Mile Road;

• $932,000 for intersection improvements at Dominion Boulevard and Cox Road;

• $747,000 for Nuckols Road pedestrian improvements.

Henrico road, bridge and highway projects

The 14 road, bridge and highway projects in Henrico County that are funded in 2027 through VDOT’s Six-Year Improvement Plan include:

• $30 million for safety changes on I-64 at North Gayton Road interchange;

• $9.8 million for reconstruction of Three Chopt Road with added capacity, including widening to four lanes at the intersection of Cox Road to the intersection of Gaskins Road;

• $6.9 million for a replacement of the Route 33/Nine Mile bridge over I-64;

• $6.8 million for repairs to the Varina Enon bridge foundation;

• $4.1 million for improvements to East Parham Road from I-95 to Cleveland Street;

• $3.8 million for major widening on I-64;

• $1.9 million for Varina-Enon Bridge tendon removal and replacement;

• $1.6 million for repairs to the Varina-Enon Bridge bearings;

• $1.6 million for an improved interchange configuration on I-64 westbound at Exit 181;

• $1.3 million for Staples Mill Road improvements;

• $991,000 for a major bridge rehabilitation on the interstate sections spanning the rail yard of I-195 at the ACCA Yard;

• $873,000 South Laburnum Ave. to Gay Ave. cut through;

• $378,000 for flashing yellow arrow rebuilds on Route 60;

• $289,000 for countywide high visibility backplates for traffic lights.

Construction timelines are different for all SYIP projects. The years of funding can change but the total funded amounts are guaranteed as long as the project requirements are met.

The Henrico Public Works Department's project list webpage provides details about specific projects.

"Year one of the SYIP is our budget, and the funding is posted to those projects. The remaining five years are estimates of allocations based on the official revenue forecast," explained Amy Friedenberger, VDOT external communications manager. "Allocations may be adjusted based on updated revenue assumptions, but total allocations would not change unless they are no longer needed for the delivery of the project."

Many of the projects receive matched funding from other sources such as the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, other VDOT funding and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Dina Weinstein is the Citizen’s community vitality reporter and a Report for America corps member, covering housing, health and transportation. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.