Community leaders looking to ‘discuss possible solutions’ in response to ongoing concerns at Exit 211 in New Kent

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- In response to ongoing complaints from the community about a congested exit along Interstate 64 in New Kent County, community leaders announced on Sunday they are looking to "discuss possible solutions" to the problem.

The morning of Sunday, Aug. 31, New Kent County Supervisor Amy M. Pearson and New Kent County Sheriff Lee Bailey issued a joint statement in a social post, explaining that they have received complaints about Exit 211 -- which has dropped down to one lane as a result of the I-64 Gap Widening Project.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has also added stoplights at all three directions to accommodate the single-lane interchange.

Pearson said she travels the area daily and has "not encountered most of the issues the complaints are about." Despite this, she sympathizes with drivers and claims she is open to ideas to help the situation.

"Please understand shutting it down completely poses an issue for public safety access to potential accidents/medical responses to local neighborhoods and the interstate," Pearson said.

With the I-64 Gap Widening Project fully underway to implement bridge widenings, bridge replacements, roadway widening and other major work, Gov. Glenn Youngkin also announced the $20 million investment to support the I-64 and Exit 211 Interchange Improvement Project in the county back on June 24.

“Virginia and New Kent County are on the move,” Youngkin said in late June. “We are thrilled to partner with New Kent County, Central Virginia Transportation Authority and others to deliver funds to support necessary transportation investments along the booming I-64 corridor. With its proximity to the Port of Virginia and the I-64 Gap Widening Project fully underway, this corridor is attracting major investments slated to bring over 2,000 jobs and $2.25 billion in investment—a win for the County and the Commonwealth.”

8News previously reported that the interchange will support new developments for the New Kent City Center. AutoZone and Target distribution centers and a Buc-ee’s travel center are among several additional projects in the works.

On Sunday morning, Bailey asked New Kent County dispatch to implement a directed patrol at the exit for the deputies to "pay extra attention to this location when they are not tied up on calls," he said.

"I would appreciate if you see incidents occurring that you contact the sheriffs office and report it so we can determine how frequently it is occurring so we can make VDOT and the contractor aware," Bailey said.

After reportedly passing on public complaints to VDOT and the New Kent County Sheriff's Office, Pearson added that she intends to schedule another meeting with the department to "discuss possible solutions."

According to a comment in Sunday's social post, Pearson confirmed that advocates are discussing a turning lane from Emmaus Church Road to I-64 eastbound, to prevent traffic from backing up from the nearby Burger King at 6707 Emmaus Church Road.

Officials encouraged county residents to call 911 or the non-emergency number at 804-966-9500 to report any incidents at the interchange.