The Chesterfield Transportation Department has presented plans for drainage improvements at the Otterdale Road crossing over Swift Creek, just north of Genito Road. During a virtual community meeting on Monday, officials outlined the $47 million project, which is part of the county’s larger $300 million transportation bond initiative approved in June 2024.
The project will include construction of a one-third mile multispan bridge and raising a portion of the two-lane roadway by 10 to 15 feet. Additional upgrades will add drainage infrastructure and a sidewalk along the west side of the project area. The planned bridge will reach 27 feet at its highest point and is designed to withstand a 100-year storm event without flooding the road.
“We have had eight road closures at this location in just the past two years. That’s quite a lot,” said Nate Mathis, principal engineer with CDOT and project manager for the Otterdale Road drainage improvements. “It’s something that needs to be addressed.”
Otterdale Road serves as an important route in western Chesterfield, an area experiencing growth and increased traffic demands. The current effort targets flooding issues at the fourth of five crossings identified by consultant JMT during a detailed study in 2020.
Following severe storms in August 2020 that caused significant flooding after more than 10 inches of rain fell within 24 hours, county supervisors funded replacements for three other crossings: Horsepen Creek, Blackman Creek, and Otterdale Branch. Work on those sites finished ahead of schedule in December 2023.
“That project was a big success,” Mathis added. “It was disruptive for a period because of detours, but people who live and travel in that area now don’t have to worry about the road being flooded.”
The Board of Supervisors has given approval for CDOT to use a design-build procurement process for this latest phase at Swift Creek. This approach aims to speed up completion by encouraging contractor competition and innovation while also improving quality control through pre-screening via Requests for Qualifications.
At its meeting on August 27, the Board will consider awarding a design-build contract with hopes to finalize designs and begin construction by fall 2026. If schedules hold, Otterdale Road north of Genito Road roundabout will close temporarily during summer 2028; detours are expected to last less than three months—about one-third as long as previous closures—with reopening planned before schools resume that August.
Residents can submit public comments about the project through an online survey until September 18 at 5 p.m., or find more information on the county website or by contacting Transportation or Nate Mathis directly.
