NORFOLK, Va. - Big changes are coming to a busy Norfolk intersection. Construction will be getting underway soon at Military Highway and Northampton Blvd.
The $59.8 million project will turn the traditional intersection into a 'continuous flow intersection.' There will also be new lanes and signals.
This will be the first 'continuous flow intersection' in Virginia, according to project managers.
The main difference - drivers will move into dedicated left turn lanes several hundred feet before the main intersection. Once cars are in the left turn lanes, they can go through the intersection at the same time as cars going straight.
Watch the video below to see how it works.
The unusual design is intended to reduce congestion and also be safer. According to VDOT, federal studies show crash rates have been reduced by almost 25 percent at intersections were a CFI (continuous flow intersection) has been installed.
Along with improvements to the intersection, sections of Military Highway, Northampton Blvd. and Princess Anne Rd. will also be widened in that area.
Here's what you can expect during construction:
- Between Monday, August 8th to August 26th, traffic will be reduced to one lane on a temporary road while upgrades are made to the railroad crossing.
- Military Highway will reopen to two lanes in each direction after the temporary lane reduction. Two lanes in each direction will remain open during peak travel times throughout the project construction
The project is expected to be complete by May 2018.
For more details on the project, click here.
