Henrico Citizen: Henrico to receive $6.2M for road, GRTC projects

HENRICO CITIZEN, TOM LAPPAS

Henrico County will receive $6.275 million to help fund a new road extension in Glen Allen and bus stop shelters, after President Joe Biden signed into legislation a Community Project Funding request from U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-7th District).

The funding will support the Lambert Way-Woodman Road Extension and construction of new bus shelters at a number of GRTC bus stops in the county. The projects were among 10 that Spanberger proposed and secured through the CPF program, which allows all members of Congress to propose funds for local projects in their districts.

The $5 million earmarked for the completion of the Lambert Way-Woodman Road Extension will allow for the creation of a second access point to Glover Park and be directly tied to Interstate 295 and Route 1. The extension comes in response to increased traffic congestion in the area and is designed to ease that issue and allow visitors to enter and exit more smoothly. The road also will feature a 10-foot-wide bike and pedestrian path that will connect to a similar path on the extended portion of Woodman Road — and ultimately the Fall Line Trail (which will connect Ashland to Petersburg).

Lambert Way is named for late Henrico Police Captain Donald Lambert, who was struck and killed near the area, where he lived, while jogging in early 2021.

The $1.275 million earmarked for bus shelters and benches would help fund the installation of shelters for approximately 31 transit stops in the county and benches for approximately 50 transit stops, as well as installation of concrete pads, ADA access, and trash receptacles.

“Smart and localized physical infrastructure improvements are a responsible use of federal dollars,” Spanberger said. “As Henrico County contends with busy roadways, an increase in sports tourism, and a higher demand for public transportation, this investment will provide a much-needed solution to address the longstanding infrastructure needs of the county. I am grateful to the Henrico County officials who worked directly with my office to move these projects forward, and I look forward to seeing these federal dollars make a direct impact in the community.”

To be eligible for CPF funding, projects must be sponsored by local or state government entities or non-profit organizations and must be projects that would otherwise meet the qualifications to apply for federal grant funding.

“Henrico County’s residents, businesses and overall quality of life will benefit greatly from the federal funding to enhance our transit stops with shelters, benches and ramps to ensure ADA-accessibility,” said Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas. “As a county and a region, we continue to invest in and expand our transit system, and we recognize that the rider experience is just as critical as the location and frequency of routes and stops.”

“Henrico appreciates Representative Spanberger’s assistance in securing federal funding for Lambert Way – a critical road project that underscores our commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting active transportation, recreation and economic development through sports tourism,” said Henrico Board of Supervisors Chairwoman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Pat O’Bannon. “Lambert Way and its accompanying bike/pedestrian path will extend a half-mile between the new extension of Woodman Road and Glover Park.“