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City of Newport News holds ribbon cutting ceremony for Atkinson Boulevard

Posted at 6:48 PM, Dec 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-08 18:48:25-05

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The City of Newport News hosted a drive-in ribbon cutting event to open the new Atkinson Boulevard.

Residents and guests attended the event for the new roadway, which connects Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.

“Newport News City Council identified improving connections by bike, car, foot and public transportation as a key priority in our Strategic Plan,” said Mayor McKinley L. Price. “Atkinson Boulevard is an important part of enhancing our city’s connectivity. This new roadway, as well as numerous other projects in progress, are helping Newport News become one of the most vibrant and accessible cities in the state.”

Atkinson Boulevard is a 1.2 mile, four lane divided road with a 1,740 foot bridge over Interstate 64 and the CSX Railway.

It also has a path for pedestrians and cyclists.

Construction for the road began in 2017, costing a total of $66 million.

The new road is named after Newport News native Harry Eugene Atkinson, who was a retired Major in the United States Marine Corps. After leaving the military, he practiced law in Newport News. He was a member of Newport News City Council from 1962-1966 and 1974-1978 and served as Mayor from 1974-1976.