Virginia Beach, Va. (WTKR) - The final phase of a project to widen and connect Lynnhaven Parkway in Virginia Beach is set to get underway this month.
The Lynnhaven XI project will connect the roadway where it dead-ends near the Brigadoon neighborhood to the north to the portion that runs to Chesapeake near Centerville.
Additionally, the existing roadway will be widened to a four-lane divided highway between Indian River Road and Centerville Turnpike.
Lynnhaven XI is the final phase of the work on Lynnhaven Parkway that's been underway for years.
"There are a total of 5 projects that have been in the works for 10 to 12 years. They've been built in phases," explained Taha Ataya, the senior project manager.
Connecting Lynnhaven Parkway should alleviate the heavy use of neighborhood streets by through traffic.
"They basically cut through the neighborhood. This project will prevent that," Ataya said. "We anticipate over 22,000 vehicles - basically double the volume - when the project is complete."
The completed construction will also mean improved public safety access.
Battalion Chief Amy Valdez with the Virginia Beach Fire Department tells NewsChannel 3 that fire response to the Charlestowne Lakes neighborhood could be improved by 2-3 minutes with the connected roadway.
Lynnhaven XI is a partnership between Virginia Beach and VDOT and is already fully funded.
Construction is expected to last between two and two and a half years.
