VDOT Studies Phase 2 of Powhite Parkway Extension

TL;DR: VDOT is conducting an environmental impact study for Phase 2 of the Powhite Parkway Extension, which would extend 8 miles from Woolridge Road to Route 360 in Chesterfield County.

The story

The Virginia Department of Transportation is conducting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Phase 2 of the Powhite Parkway Extension, which would extend the roadway from Woolridge Road to Route 360 (Hull Street Road). The project spans approximately 8 miles and includes planned crossings over Swift Creek, Otterdale Branch, Horsepen Creek, and Blackman Creek, with interchanges anticipated at Woolridge Road, Genito Road, and Magnolia Green Parkway.

VDOT is conducting the environmental study in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and Chesterfield County to evaluate the project's potential impacts in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The study will evaluate multiple alternatives to identify a preferred location for the project improvements.

In March 2026, U.S. Representative Robert J. Wittman presented an $8 million federal Community Project Funding award to Chesterfield's Board of Supervisors. Combined with a $2 million local match, the funding supports geotechnical exploration, surveys, preliminary bridge design, and hydraulic modeling for the Woolridge Road to Hull Street Road section.

VDOT has already held a public hearing on the Environmental Impact Statement's preferred alternative on December 9, 2025, and the Commonwealth Transportation Board selected the preferred alternative on January 6, 2026. The agency anticipates a public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement in early 2027, providing residents an opportunity to review the full NEPA document and submit comments.

Key players

• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT): Lead agency conducting the environmental impact study
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): Coordinating partner on the environmental review
• Chesterfield County: Local partner coordinating on the project

Key dates

• 2025-12-09: Public hearing held on Environmental Impact Statement preferred alternative
• 2026-01-06: Commonwealth Transportation Board selected preferred alternative
• 2027-01: Draft Environmental Impact Statement public hearing anticipated

Why it matters: The Powhite Parkway Extension project represents a major regional transportation investment that will affect traffic patterns and development in southern Chesterfield County. The Phase 2 completion would connect the existing parkway system to Route 360, potentially reshaping regional connectivity and commute routes.

Places

• Powhite Parkway
• Woolridge Road
• Route 360
• Hull Street Road
• Swift Creek
• Otterdale Branch
• Horsepen Creek
• Blackman Creek
• Genito Road
• Magnolia Green Parkway

Related links

• Powhite Parkway Extension - Chesterfield County
• Powhite Parkway Study - Virginia Department of Transportation
• Powhite Parkway Project EIS - Virginia Department of Transportation
• Public Input Portal - Powhite Parkway Study

Read the original at Transportation Projects →

Sources

• Powhite Parkway Extension Phase 2 NEPA Study - Chesterfield County
• Powhite Parkway Extension - Chesterfield County
• Chesterfield - Powhite Parkway Study - Virginia Department of Transportation
• Wittman Secures Funding for Powhite Parkway Extension Phase II