‘It’s going to be transformational’: Henrico breaks ground on Magellan Parkway extension over I-95

Mar 5, 2026 - 21:25

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‘It’s going to be transformational’: Henrico breaks ground on Magellan Parkway extension over I-95

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Henrico County broke ground Thursday on its Magellan Parkway extension, a project that will include a four-lane divided bridge over Interstate 95.

At around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, county leaders -- including Cari M. Tretina, the Executive Director of the Henrico Economic Development Authority, Terrell Hughes, the director of the Department of Public Works and others -- gathered at the Scott Road Outdoor Athletic Complex to show their support for the project.

Officials said the project will enhance access, traffic flow and economic development.

"Today's event marks the first in a series of tangible and bold commitments that will transform [what] we dubbed 'Best Products: Reimagined,'" Tretina said.

She explained the first two road projects will be the first physical milestone in the broader effort to bring innovation and opportunity to the county's Fairfield area.

The project will improve both vehicle and pedestrian travel in the area and support economic development and revitalization of nearby properties, per a release.

(Photo: Jakobi Davis, 8News)

These include the former Scott Farm, where site work is underway for the Level Green community by MarkelEagle Partners, as well as the former Best Products headquarters. An arena-anchored mixed-use development is planned as part of the "Best Products Reimagined" project, officials said.

The county previously reclaimed the 93-acre property in September 2025 after the county terminated its agreement with GreenCity developers in March 2025.

The county formally released a request for interest on Sept. 11, 2025, inviting developers, arena operators and other potential partners to submit proposals to transform the site.

The planned property purchase for the GreenCity Arena was announced in 2020, with plans for a 17,000-seat arena that aims to bring tourism and be eco-friendly.

"The short-term disruptions are going to bring long-term significance," said Henrico Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III on Thursday. "The project is about expanding access and opportunity. It's about economic development. It's about revitalization. It's about quality of life."

From an economic development standpoint, Tretina said she is thrilled to see this piece of land turn into what she calls a "vibrant center" after the property had largely been considered vacant for more than 15 years.

"To see it become what is going to be an arena anchored mixed-use development with good quality retail and the potential for an area that is going to attract national acts," she said. "That's life-changing for this area and transformational for the entire Fairfield District."

She said the visibility that the development will have along I-95 is going to be "transformational," helping to draw attention to the project.