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Lane reductions on Military Highway in Norfolk cause concerns for commuters

Posted at 4:56 PM, Aug 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-08 17:15:55-04

NORFOLK, Va. - VDOT began their lane reductions on Military Highway for the Continuous Flow Intersection Project Monday morning.

By Monday afternoon, commuters were anxious for construction to wrap up.

"I'm going to have to rush for now on," explained Marjie Tatem, who lives and works near the construction zone. "I usually can take my time going to work and get there in 10 minutes on the interstate."

On Monday, Tatem said her commute took nearly three times as long as it normally does.

"I will now have to get up an extra 30-45 minutes early in order to get to work on time," she said.

According to VDOT, the project will cost $59.8 million. It combines the addition of new lanes, new signals and a new continuous flow intersection that will increase capacity and reduce congestion. But until the project is complete, areas of Military Highway will be a vast construction zone.

Previous coverage: Major road improvement project beginning soon on Military Hwy in Norfolk

"Be prepared because you will be waiting," warns Tatem. "It's going to be bumper to bumper."

The reduction to only one lane of traffic will only last a few weeks, according to a release from VDOT. Then it will reopen to two lanes in each direction following the temporary lane reduction.

The project is scheduled to be completed by May 2018.