August 27, 2019 - New Video
The Public Works Engineering Transportation Group have produced an updated video showing how the Indian River Rd. - Kempsville Rd. intersection will operate when the project is complete. Staff anticipates having the construction complete by the end of 2019.
July, 11, 2019 - Detours to begin the week of July 15, 2019
Construction is now at the stage where detours will be required for traffic turning left at the intersection. People can
expect the first detour to begin on or about July 15th and last approximately 10 weeks.
Following the first detour, there will subsequent detours that will be in effect for approximately 10 additional weeks.
All detours will be properly signed. Detours will no longer be required after the completion of this phase of construction, however, there will continue to be construction so please continue to exercise caution and patience.
Please consult the brochure or video detailing the detour routes and associated directions.
Please Drive Safely!
Overview
The Indian River Road – Kempsville Road (IRK) intersection carries over
106,000 vehicles per day and operates well beyond its intended capacity and level of service. At the top of the
Intersections Congestion List, IRK also ranks poorly on the
High Accident Location Report.
It is the MOST congested intersection in the City of Virginia Beach. There are major access and maintenance issues, along with the congestion and delay issues.
Effective Sunday, November 18th, 2018 Until further notice:
Due to the Indian River/Kempsville Road Intersection Improvement Project, the bus stop at Indian River & Kempsville (9173) will not be serviced.
This project will reconstruct the Indian River Road/Kempsville Road intersection to increase capacity and improve safety and traffic flow. The design combines two innovative approaches: indirect left turns to the north and south on Kempsville Road (also known as a continuous flow intersection) and median U-turn lefts to the east and west of the intersection on Indian River Road.
Passengers should expect delays as to board and alight at Indian River Rd. & Kemps River Dr. (6078).
April 15, 2019 Update
Starting Monday, April 15, we will be moving into Phase 1D of construction. During this phase, 
the right turn lane from eastbound Indian River Road to southbound Kempsville Road will be closed. This phase of construction is expected to last twelve weeks.
During this phase of construction, the contractor will:
- Adjust temporary signals
- install new pavement
- Install new curbs
- Install new drainage
- Install new sidewalks
- Install new entrances, and
- Relocate Utilities
As always Please Drive Safely!
Design
Public Works looked at 12 design alternatives – an overpass, lane additions, a traffic circle, jug-handles, and others. What we have come up with is a hybrid design of two non-traditional solutions. This solution minimizes costs and improves traffic flow. This design increases the overall capacity of the intersection, and keeps delays to a minimum for the entire corridor. It also reduces any right-of-way acquisitions that would have to be made compared to traditional lane additions.
How It Works
The current configuration of six through lanes on Indian River Road and four through lanes on Kempsville Road will remain. The change will be in the way left turns are made. Left turns are reconfigured as “Indirect Left Turns” (also called Michigan lefts) for Indian River Road and “Displaced Left Turns” for Kempsville Road.
Construction Phase
While construction is taking place, access to adjacent businesses will be maintained during all business hours. There will be some delays during construction and detours will be utilized during some phases of construction.
Detours and major changes in travel patterns will be announced in advance. The notices will encourage motorists to plan alternate routes during construction, especially during the peak hours of the morning and evening commutes.
Costs
Total cost of the project: $23.1M
The project is funded with Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds.