Construction is scheduled to begin this month on the first of two projects to build a new interchange on Interstate 64 at Denbigh Boulevard, the Virginia Department of Transportation announced Aug. 28. The $58 million contract was awarded in October 2025 and beyond the new ramps, the work includes widening I-64 near the interchange and adding turn lanes and intersection improvements at Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.
The “Phase 1” project will build new westbound ramps at Denbigh Boulevard and improve nearby intersections, work VDOT says will improve safety, ease congestion and expand access to the area. Once complete, as early as summer 2029, the project will give drivers a new westbound access point on I-64 between Fort Eustis Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue. Eastbound access will follow later through a separate Phase 2 project.
Drivers should expect lane closures and shifts on I-64 and Denbigh Boulevard during construction. A connector road between Pagewood Drive and Denbigh Boulevard Service Road will close long-term starting as early as Aug. 31, and access to Richneck Road at Denbigh Boulevard will permanently close as early as fall 2026. VDOT says the schedule could change depending on weather and other factors.
VDOT had previously announced a June 2024 public hearing on the project, followed by an environmental review that concluded that October. More project information is available on VDOT’s project page. The project is one of several underway on this stretch of I-64 in Newport News; VDOT is also working nearby on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes project near Victory Boulevard, part of a larger tolled express lanes network planned for the region.
In other news:
Government
Councilmen Coleman and Long to Host Central District Town Hall Sept. 1 Newport News city government’s calendar lists a Central District Town Hall hosted by Councilman Rob Coleman and Councilman Cleon Long, set for September 1, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the City Center Building’s James Room. The listing invites residents to hear updates on district and citywide projects and to share their own input on community priorities.
Newport News Public Works Department to Host Job Fair on September 26 Residents seeking employment opportunities are invited to attend a job fair hosted by the Public Works Department on September 26 from 9 AM to 1 PM, as announced by the city. The event will feature various positions including Construction Maintenance Workers, Pipelayers, and Equipment Operators, with on-site applications and interviews available. Attendees can learn about different divisions, observe equipment demonstrations, and discover employee benefits such as a $500 CDL hiring bonus, free CDL training after obtaining a permit, provided uniforms and boots, health insurance options, paid parental leave, and two paid mental health days annually.
Newport News Public Works to Host Open House on September 26 Residents can get a behind-the-scenes look at city services during a Public Works open house on September 26 from 9 AM to 1 PM, as announced by the department. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff members at information stations, watch live equipment demonstrations, and take guided tours of the Road Yard and Simulator to learn about the essential services that keep the community clean, safe, and moving every day.
Business & Science
Jefferson Lab Receives Environmental Award for Collaborative Stormwater Management Efforts Jefferson Lab has been recognized with an environmental award for its collaborative stormwater management work, according to the laboratory. The award acknowledges efforts by multiple departments across the facility that came together to address water quality and environmental sustainability concerns. The labwide collaboration focused on managing stormwater flows, reflecting the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible facility operations that benefit the surrounding community.
Jefferson Lab Develops Enhanced Toolkit for Particle Accelerator Performance Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility announced that scientists have developed an enhanced topographic analysis toolkit that helps predict and improve how particle accelerators perform. According to Jefferson Lab, the new toolkit focuses on creating smoother surfaces for better particle accelerator operation. The facility, which serves as a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, uses its unique particle accelerator to help scientists worldwide understand the most basic building blocks of matter and the forces that bind them.
Public Safety
Newport News Offers Free Community Emergency Response Team Training Newport News announces free Community Emergency Response Team training for residents age 18 and older to develop emergency preparedness skills that benefit families and neighbors. The program involves an initial four-day training course with sessions of approximately two hours each, typically held once a week over four evenings, plus quarterly training thereafter. Participants learn to support the city during major emergencies or disasters by assisting with human and pet sheltering, distribution operations, and initial damage assessment. The program emphasizes a neighbors-helping-neighbors approach to build community resilience, with members providing support rather than serving as first responders.
Community & Services
Newport News Community Forum Set for September 10 With Shannon Jones The Newport News Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney and Shalom Baptist Church are hosting a Community Forum on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church, 1111 24th Street. Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Jones will serve as guest speaker, part of a “Together for a Stronger Community” event billed as a conversation aimed at building a better future for local residents.
Newport News to Hold 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Newport News announces a commemorative ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The 9/11 Never Forgotten: Honor & Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Christopher Newport University’s Gaines Theatre, located at 1 University Place. Community members are invited to attend the event honoring those lost on that day and reflecting on its lasting impact on the nation.
Recreation & Events
Ferguson Center announces fall programming with classical and gospel performances The Ferguson Center for the Arts announces an exciting fall season featuring classical music performances and special guest artists. The lineup includes Mahler’s Titan Symphony on September 10, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Philip Glass’s Lincoln on September 25, a John Williams and Steven Spielberg tribute on October 23, and Gospel Night with Tamela and David Mann on November 14.
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