Update on VB road widening project

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A major road expansion project is underway in Virginia Beach. Witchduck Road from Bonney Road to Greenich Road will soon go from four to six lanes.

Heavy equipment works on land where more than 30 homes once stood, digging out the plan for phase one.

A couple residents WAVY.com spoke with had very different opinions on the project.

"I'm pretty happy about it and there will be a light here. So it'll be good. It'll get rid of a lot of traffic," said Hayley Reynolds who lives in the area.

Theresa Butler, who also lives in the area, has a different opinion. She said, "It's a mess. It's a big mess. It's inconvenient not being able to drive out on the other end."

The Virginia Beach Public Works Department has heard complaints Project Manager Bill Haggerty told WAVY.com. He said drivers can expect a few wrinkles as construction continues.

"Some delays, some lane closures, a little bit of frustration. We would just ask people to please be patient because the end product will be a much, much better commute," Haggerty explained.

Plans call for turn lanes, medians, a new traffic signal and landscaping plus adding two lanes.

"By adding additional lanes it makes the existing traffic go easier through there with fewer delays," Haggerty added.

The road widening project is set to wrap up in 2012.

The multi-million dollar project is paid for in part by federal stimulus money. Taxpayers will foot the rest of the bill.