Spring 2022: Final Laskin Road Feeder Lanes Removed in Project's Western Limits
Removal of the final stretch of feeder lanes within project limits is now complete on the south side of Laskin Road between Republic Road and First Colonial Road, near the Hilltop Plaza shopping center. This completes the removal of all feeder lanes within the project limits -- a significant milestone for the project.

As each of the feeder lanes are closed, existing business entrances/exits are being extended to mainline Laskin Road. This allows crews to continue the widening work in this location, while also allowing patrons access to properties along this heavily traveled business corridor. Motorists should use caution and be mindful of the construction barrels and other signage in place to delineate business access.

Road improvements in this location are scheduled to be completed in spring 2023.
PROJECT ACTIVITY UPDATE
Utility Work Well Underway: 11 Miles of Underground Updates
Utility work is a significant component of this project, with critical improvements to stormwater management, drainage and water and sewage systems in the corridor. In some locations, crews are placing pipe as large as 54 inches in diameter into the ground, all while working to avoid existing utility conflicts and maintain traffic within a heavily traveled corridor.

Ongoing utility work in the corridor includes:
  • Installation of a 15-inch sanitary sewer along the north side of Laskin Road, across from the First Colonial intersection;
  • Installation of a 12-inch water line across Laskin Road at Republic Road; and
  • Installation of a 42-inch storm sewer pipe along the south side of Laskin Road in the Hilltop area.

In the coming weeks, crews will continue their focus on the intersection of Laskin and First Colonial roads, specifically. This location is currently undergoing significant utility work, with progress being made installing permanent water and sewer lines.
Pictured above and below: Crews perform utility work on Laskin Road near Hilltop North shopping center. Photos courtesy of VDOT
Over the course of this two-mile project, crews will install a total of 3.8 miles of new storm water drainage pipe, 3.1 miles of sanitary sewer pipe and 4.5 miles of domestic water pipe underground.
Roadway Construction: Curb and Gutter Being Installed

Construction of the new roadway is ongoing (curb and gutter work) at two locations within the project limits:
  • On the north side of Laskin Road from west of the bridge over Linkhorn Bay to the former Kuktop restaurant; and 
  • On the south side of Laskin Road at First Colonial Road near the BP gas station.  

Moving into roadway construction, after focusing initially on utility upgrades since construction began in 2019, marks another positive step forward for the project.

Once completed, this project will feature an 8-lane divided highway on Laskin Road (two 12-foot through lanes and one 14-foot wide outside lane to accommodate bikes in each direction and a continuous right turn lane in each direction) with a 5-foot sidewalk on the south side and a 10-foot sidewalk on the north side. Also included are improvements to the Laskin Road/First Colonial Road intersection, as well as construction of a 6-lane divided highway on First Colonial Road from Laurel Lane to I-264.
Noise Barrier Construction: Work Continues By Linkhorn Bay Condominiums

Construction of a noise barrier is underway along the north side of Laskin Road westbound, parallel to the Linkhorn Bay Condominiums. The noise barrier, once completed, will average 18 feet in height, ranging from as high as 25 feet to 10 feet, depending on location.

Access into and out of the Linkhorn Bay Condominiums is being maintained at all times during construction.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Traffic Impacts

Scheduled lane and road closures can be found on the project website on the Traffic Alerts section. All construction work and closures are dependent upon weather conditions and subject to change. The speed limit within the project limits is 35 mph.

Some of the current and future project traffic impacts include:

Scheduled Lane Closure Hours
Scheduled lane closures on Laskin Road can be in place Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Single-lane closures on First Colonial Road can be in place Monday through Friday, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

New Traffic Pattern Implemented at First Colonial, Laskin Intersection
The new traffic pattern closes the slip ramps for right turns from westbound Laskin Road (toward Hilltop) to northbound First Colonial Road and from eastbound Laskin Road (toward the oceanfront) to southbound First Colonial Road. Designated right-turn lanes are now in place from mainline Laskin Road to both north- and southbound First Colonial Road. Click here for the full traffic alert: https://conta.cc/3481Aew

Left Turns Restricted at Nevan Road
Left turns from westbound Laskin Road to Nevan Road have been restricted permanently. Motorists attempting to access Nevan Road from westbound Laskin can travel to the First Colonial Road intersection and initiate a u-turn to access Nevan Road from eastbound Laskin Road. Motorists can also access Nevan Road via First Colonial Road and Donna Drive. Click here for the full traffic alert: https://conta.cc/3qpWxOM

Ongoing Closure of Portion of Fremac Drive
A portion of Fremac Drive is closed to through traffic at Laskin Road for utility work, through May 1. Click here for the full traffic alert: https://conta.cc/3CNIOFi

VDOT continues to work with the City of Virginia Beach to manage project impacts.
Work Zone Safety: The Top Priority

Safety is VDOT's No. 1 priority, and with additional motorists traveling through the corridor during the spring and summer months, the department will continue to routinely monitor traffic control measures to help with the safety of motorists and contractor crews.

Motorists traveling through the corridor in the coming months could encounter traffic shifts, lane closures during allowable hours, and crews working alongside the road. Ditch distractions and obey the reduced speed limit when traveling through the work zone.

Please obey the reduced speed limit throughout the work zone and be mindful of crews working alongside the road. As a reminder, as of Jan. 1, 2021, you can be ticketed for holding a phone while driving.
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