http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-00276sy0oct29.story

More roadwork to begin in midtown area of NN

By Fred Carroll
Daily Press

October 29 2003

NEWPORT NEWS -- Look soon for more construction and roadwork in the midtown area of Newport News as redevelopment continues around Warwick and J. Clyde Morris boulevards.

Newport News City Council voted Tuesday to:

Rezone about 5 acres along Warwick Boulevard opposite Christopher Newport University. The change allows the university's education foundation to build a $25 million complex that will include student apartments, shops, cafes and a parking garage. Work should begin in May 2004 and finish in July 2005.

University officials announced in February 2001 plans to develop more than 16 acres across Warwick Boulevard from the main campus.

Award a $1.6 million contract to Basic Construction Co. of Newport News for the widening of Moores Lane North between Shoe Lane and Prince Drew Road beside CNU.

Planned work includes widening the narrow road to a 26-foot width, straightening a curve, adding curbs and gutters, pouring a sidewalk and paving Prince Drew Road.

Mostafa Sabbah, engineering director, said construction should begin in November and end in fall 2004.

City engineers expect more traffic on the two side roads as CNU grows and the state relocates Shoe Lane.

State officials recently contracted with Basic Construction Co. for the $2.8-million relocation of Shoe Lane, which engineers will reroute behind the university's new arts center and connect with J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. City officials expect the roadwork to begin later this year and to finish in fall 2004.

Also, the state expects to spend more than $52 million to widen Warwick Boulevard to six lanes between J. Clyde Morris Boulevard and Nettles Drive. Officials expect that work to begin in early 2005.

Fred Carroll can be reached at 247-4756 or by e-mail at fcarroll@dailypress.com