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June 2021
Construction Begins on Skiffes Creek Connector in James City County
Thank you for subscribing to updates on the Skiffes Creek Connector project. These updates aim to keep you informed about the project and how its construction may impact travel in the project vicinity. Construction is estimated to be complete in fall 2022.

As you may be aware, the Skiffes Creek Connector project will build a new two-lane connecting roadway between Route 60 (Pocahontas Trail) and Route 143 (Merrimac Trail) in the area between Route 199 and Route 238 in James City County. The Connector will create efficient local passage between Route 60 and Route 143, and improve the movement of goods along the two primary roadways.

Contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation have begun work to clear the path for the new Skiffes Creek Connector. In May, crews started clearing and grubbing activities at each of the termini connector points of Route 143 and Route 60 to provide access and begin prep-work for the new roadway and two bridges.

Motorists traveling along Route 143 and Route 60 will see increased construction activity on the shoulders and within the project area as the project moves forward.

Installation and maintenance of environmental measures are a top priority for the project, and include the recent construction of a temporary basin used to slow and treat onsite stormwater runoff.

The Skiffes Creek Connector project includes the construction of the following:

  • New two-lane roadway one mile in length
  • Intersection improvements and new multi-use path at Route 60 
  • Bridge over Skiffes Creek
  • Bridge over Route 143 and the CSX railway
  • Intersection improvements at Route 143
  • Stormwater management facility

Additional details on the project can be found at the project website at www.virginiadot.org/SkiffesCreek
Clearing the Way for New Roadway Connector
Above: Crews work to carefully remove all logs, stumps, brush and debris in the path of the new connector.
Above: Logs and stumps are loaded into trucks for removal from the project site.
Above: Crews perform ground prep-work along project area to allow access for construction of the new bridge over Skiffes Creek
Above: View from Route 60 looking towards Skiffes Creek, as initial clearing and grubbing work is in final stages and roadway cuts and fills begin.
Travel Impacts
Coming Soon: Lane Shift on Route 143 

As early as June 3, crews will shift travel lanes in both directions on Route 143 west of I-64 access at exit 247, to allow project workers and equipment to safely access the roadway shoulder and construction site entrance. All lanes will remain open in both directions.

Motorists should stay alert, reduce speed and pay attention to road signs and pavement markings when traveling through the construction area.  All work is weather dependent and subject to change.
Public Update Provides Construction Overview
Get Caught Up:

In April 2021, VDOT and the project's design-build contractor held a virtual “Pardon Our Dust” public update meeting. The meeting included an introduction of the project team from Shirley Contracting Co., a project overview, details of the anticipated construction timeline and potential traffic impacts.

Those who missed the meeting can view the recorded version and all presentation-related materials at www.virginiadot.org/skiffescreek. Questions about the project can be sent to hamptonroadspublicinfo@vdot.virginia.gov.
Below: Screenshots taken from the Skiffes Creek Connector project presentation at the "Pardon our Dust" meeting. The full presentation and downloadable handouts are located on the project page.
Upcoming Construction Activities
Looking forward, the following items are expected within the project limits this summer:


  • Construction of all stormwater management components in project area
  • Begin roadway improvements on Route 143
  • Perform utility relocations at Route 60 connector point
  • Begin intersection improvements at Route 60
  • Drive pile foundations and begin structure for bridges over Skiffes Creek and Route 143
  • Begin roadway cuts and fills
  • Installation of roadway drainage system
REMINDER:
WORK ZONE SAFETY

Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit in workzones and please be mindful of crews working alongside the road as large work vehicles may be turning into and out of construction entrances.
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