Powhite Parkway Extension Construction to Begin This Winter
TL;DR: Chesterfield County officials announced that construction on the $565 million Powhite Parkway extension will begin this winter, with the nine-mile project slated for completion in 2034.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County
- What: $565 million Powhite Parkway extension construction beginning this winter
- When: Winter 2026 (Phase 1); full completion 2034
- Where: Chesterfield County, from Route 288 to Hull Street Road near Richmond Metro Zoo
The story
Chesterfield County has announced that construction on the $565 million Powhite Parkway extension will begin this winter, with full project completion expected by 2034. The extension will add approximately nine miles to the existing Powhite Parkway, running south and west from its current terminus near the Route 288 interchange to Hull Street Road, near Grange Hall Elementary School and the Richmond Metro Zoo.
The project will be developed in two phases. Phase 1, spanning 2.25 miles to Woolridge Road, is budgeted at $150 million and is scheduled to be completed by 2029. This phase consists of five primary segments including widening Woolridge Road from two to four lanes, constructing bridges over Tomahawk Creek, and improving several intersections at Watermill Parkway, Brandermill Parkway, and Charter Colony. Phase 1 is fully funded through Capital Improvement Funds, drawing on a direct allocation of $27 million and $123 million in bond financing.
Phase 2 will extend the parkway from Woolridge Road to Hull Street Road and is being developed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation, which is managing the environmental impact assessment process.
Chesterfield County plans to issue a request for proposals for Phase 1 in the coming weeks, with contract award expected by the end of 2026. The project represents a significant long-term infrastructure investment aimed at expanding transportation capacity in the southern portions of the county.
Key dates
- Winter 2026: Construction begins on Phase 1
- End of 2026: Contract award expected for Phase 1
- 2029: Phase 1 completion (2.25-mile extension to Woolridge Road)
- 2034: Full project completion (all nine miles)
The case for
The extension will substantially increase transportation capacity and connectivity in Chesterfield's growing southern areas, improving access to the Richmond Metro Zoo, Grange Hall Elementary School, and surrounding communities, while supporting regional economic development.
The case against
The eight-year timeline and $565 million total cost represent a major long-term commitment of county resources; residents and businesses along the route will experience sustained construction disruption, and the full environmental and community impacts of the extension remain under review by VDOT.
Why it matters: This extension is one of Chesterfield's largest infrastructure projects in decades, fundamentally reshaping transportation patterns in the southern county and affecting residents' commutes, property values, and community development for years to come.
Places
- Powhite Parkway
- Route 288
- Hull Street Road
- Woolridge Road
- Grange Hall Elementary School
- Richmond Metro Zoo
- Tomahawk Creek
- Watermill Parkway
- Brandermill Parkway
- Charter Colony
Development timeline
- 2026-09-09Powhite Parkway extension construction announcement: Chesterfield County officials announced that construction on the $565 million Powhite Parkway extension is planned to begin this winter, with full completion targeted for 2034. [source]
Related links
- Powhite Parkway Extension - Chesterfield County
- Powhite Parkway Extension Civic Alert
- Chesterfield County Transportation Department
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →
Sources
- Powhite Parkway extension construction set to begin this winter, Chesterfield officials say
- Powhite Parkway Extension - Chesterfield County
- Powhite Parkway Extension Civic Alert