Since its creation in 1963, the suburban Virginia city of Chesapeake has seen an explosion of growth. During one decade of expansion the City grew by 33%, stressing the capacity of its street network.  The infrastructure of the small city that grew as a bedroom community serving Hampton Roads’ military instillations and shipyards, ports, and beaches, was no longer able to accommodate the traffic and growth demands.

As a way to address its existing challenges as well as plan for the future, Chesapeake turned to American Engineering (which was known in Virginia at time as ESI). The city sold bonds to fund eight major road projects. While many local firms played a role in the designs, American Engineering was the top selected firm and was tasked with the expansion of Battlefield Boulevard, the City’s large backbone north-south arterial road.

The challenge was to convert a 4-lane suburban road already carrying 50,000 vpd, to a high volume, 6-lane transportation corridor which would accommodate the growing commercial activity as well as the commuting residents. From the busy intersection of Kempsville Road & Great Bridge Boulevard to I-64, the design had many challenges including phasing construction efficiently without adversely impacting existing businesses. Beyond simply expanding capacity with new lanes, the design also improved access management and safety, storm drainage improvements and sidewalks.  The complex project was completed on time and on budget, which is one of the things American Engineering’s technical lead Pete Burkhimer, is most proud.