The Chesterfield Department of Transportation (CDOT) is advancing with the Powhite Parkway Extension and related roadway projects to address traffic issues in the western Route 360 corridor. This initiative has been part of the county’s thoroughfare plan for over three decades.
Approximately 100 citizens attended a community meeting on June 18 at Clover Hill High School. They received information about Phase I of the Powhite Parkway Extension, interacted with county staff and elected officials, and shared their input on the project and other nearby road improvements.
These projects aim to facilitate easier access for motorists in western Chesterfield, a rapidly growing area, to reach Powhite Parkway or Route 288 without relying on Hull Street Road. “It’s totally changing how you move around by vehicle in this area,” said Chessa Walker, director of CDOT. “We have a lot of work planned and we want the community to understand how all of these different projects, once completed, will give them more options to get where they need to go.”
In June last year, Chesterfield sold approximately $300 million in revenue bonds to fund various transportation projects. These include extending Powhite Parkway by 2.25 miles from Little Tomahawk Creek to Woolridge Road.
CDOT is also working on extending Woolridge Road from Old Hundred Road to Route 288 as a four-lane road and widening another section between Genito and Lacoc roads from two lanes to four lanes.
These three projects are expected to significantly benefit residents west of Swift Creek Reservoir by providing direct access to both Powhite Parkway and Route 288 via Woolridge Road. This development aims to reduce vehicle congestion on Hull Street Road during peak hours.
Additionally, an extension of Center Pointe Parkway to Old Hundred Road is planned. This will offer another route between Powhite Parkway and Route 288, enhancing the area’s transportation network redundancy.
According to CDOT’s schedule presented at the June 18 meeting, construction for the Woolridge Road Extension is set for this fall. The first two segments of the Powhite Extension and Woolridge Road widening are projected for spring 2026 commencement.
The third segment of the Powhite Extension and Center Pointe Parkway Extension are slated for winter 2027 construction start dates.
Overall, these roadway improvements are estimated at around $305 million. Citizens can learn more about these projects through the county website and provide comments until July 18 at 5 p.m.
