I-64 / SR 623 (Ashland Road) Interchange Improvement Alternatives
I-64 / SR 623 (Ashland Road) Interchange Improvement Alternatives
The purpose of this Interchange Access Report (IAR) Study is to evaluate safety and operational issues and develop solutions for the I-64 / SR 623 (Ashland Road) interchange (Exit 173). An IAR Study is required by VDOT and the Federal Highway Adminstration (FHWA) prior to implementing an interchange modification to the U.S. interstate system.
Benefits
This study will identify the best interchange design to accommodate existing traffic and planned economic activity in the vicinity of the interchange. This study will consider safety, operations, environmental impact, cost, constructability, and multimodal accommodations.
Public Outreach
A Fall 2023 survey solicited public feedback on the existing transportation needs and issues at the I-64 / SR 623 (Ashland Road) interchange. This current public outreach shares design alternatives that have been developed for the interchange and solicits public feedback on the design options.
Resources
Contact Information:
Liz McAdory, Richmond District Planning Manager
Liz.McAdory@VDOT.Virginia.gov
Chris Daily, Consultant Project Manager
cdaily@vhb.com
Phase: Study
UPC: 121682
Lat/Long: 37.68312, -77.66841
Locality: Goochland County
Translation assistance: For translation assistance, please call the VDOT Richmond District Office at (804) 524-6091. More information on Translation services can be acccessed here.
Map of Study Area
Design alternatives are being evaluated for the I-64 / SR 623 (Ashland Road) interchange (Exit 173) to address the following identified concerns:
- Congestion on southbound SR 623 (Ashland Road) approaching the I-64 interchange, with future vehicle queues extending 2.5 miles to SR 271 (Pouncey Tract Road).
- Congestion on the westbound I-64 off-ramp to SR 623 (Ashland Road), with future vehicle queues extending from the off-ramp onto westbound I-64 back to SR 288.
- Safety implications of the future congestion issues noted above.
VDOT has developed two conceptual interchange designs to address these concerns and improve traffic operations and safety.
The first conceptual interchange design being considered by VDOT is known as a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). A DDI is an interchange design in which traffic crosses to the other side of the road between two signalized intersections with the freeway ramps. Vehicles would be able to turn left onto and off the freeway ramps without crossing any conflicting traffic, and right turns would occur before or after crossing to the other side. The graphic below illustrates how traffic flows through this interchange. Please visit VDOT's Diverging Diamond Interchange webpage to learn more.
Below is the conceptual design layout for a Diverging Diamond Interchange at this study location:
The second conceptual interchange design being considered by VDOT is an Expanded Diamond Interchange. This maintains the existing interchange typology, but widens SR 623 (Ashland Road) and the I-64 ramps to provide increased capacity.
Below is the conceptual design layout for an Expanded Diamond Interchange at this study location:
The following table documents a high-level comparison of the benefits and impacts of the two conceptual interchange designs.
| Category | Diverging Diamond Interchange | Expanded Diamond Interchange |
|---|---|---|
| Addresses Ashland Road Congestion | Yes - reduces vehicle queues, more than Expanded Diamond | Yes - reduces vehicle queues, but less than DDI |
| Addresses I-64 Congestion | Yes - removes vehicle queue on I-64 | Yes - removes vehicle queue on I-64 |
| Addresses Safety | Yes - reduces crashes, more than Expanded Diamond | Yes - reduces crashes, but less than DDI |
| Right of Way Impact | Minor property impact | Minor property impact |
| Construction Cost | $$$$ | $$$ |