Virginia Beach, VA – Residents eagerly anticipating a flood-resistant route to Sandbridge will have to wait nearly a decade longer, as the City of Virginia Beach, in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration and Virginia Department of Transportation, embarks on an extensive environmental impact study for the Nimmo Parkway extension project.

A Long-Awaited Solution

Originally proposed in the early 1990s, the extension aims to provide a much-needed alternative route to Sandbridge, a coastal community boasting over 2,200 homes. Currently, Sandbridge Road serves as the sole access point by car, notorious for flooding, especially during southerly winds exacerbating Back Bay overflow.

Analyzing Environmental Impacts

The envisioned extension, spanning a mile and a half to Sandbridge Road, traverses through the Lago Mar neighborhood, Ashville Bridge Creek, and a portion of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Recognizing recent concerns raised by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the city has initiated a comprehensive environmental impact study to assess project ramifications thoroughly.

Project Details and Challenges

Ryan Johnson, the project manager, assures that despite the environmental study’s added time and expenses, maintaining project momentum aligns with the city’s best interests. The proposed road entails a two-lane undivided roadway equipped with shoulders, on-road bike lanes, and a shared-use path, stretching from Albuquerque Drive to Sandbridge Road.

Progress and Financial Projections

While approximately $50 million has already been invested in both phases of Nimmo Parkway Phase VII, with ongoing construction at McLennan’s curve, an additional $40 million is anticipated for project completion. Johnson optimistically eyes 2029 for fund availability and contract execution to resume construction.

Addressing Property Concerns

In recent developments, VDOT has dispatched letters to residents beyond the project’s immediate vicinity, seeking property access. Johnson clarifies that this outreach isn’t indicative of additional land requirements but rather aims at data collection within the study area.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

As Virginia Beach endeavors to enhance accessibility and mitigate flood risks for Sandbridge residents and visitors, the Nimmo Parkway extension project underscores the complexities of balancing infrastructure development with environmental preservation. Despite the extended timeline, stakeholders remain committed to realizing a safer, more resilient transportation network for the community’s benefit.

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