Road provides important connection between Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue
The City of Newport News hosted a drive-in Ribbon Cutting event today to open the new Atkinson Boulevard. Residents and guests attended to be the first to drive across the new roadway, which connects Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.
“Newport News City Council identified improving connections by bike, car, foot and public transportation as a key priority in our Strategic Plan,” said Mayor McKinley L. Price. “Atkinson Boulevard is an important part of enhancing our city’s connectivity. This new roadway, as well as numerous other projects in progress, are helping Newport News become one of the most vibrant and accessible cities in the state.”
Atkinson Boulevard is a 1.2 mile, four lane divided roadway that features a 1,740 foot bridge over Interstate 64 and the CSX Railway. It also includes a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Construction began in 2017, with the city administering the project as a joint venture between Bryant Contracting, Inc. and Basic Construction Company, LLC. The total project cost was $66 million.
The new roadway is named for Newport News native Harry Eugene Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson was a retired Major in the United States Marine Corps and, after leaving the military, practiced law in Newport News. He was a member of Newport News City Council from 1962-1966 and 1974-1978 and served as Mayor from 1974-1976.
Atkinson Boulevard is now open for vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle travel. This important connector between the city’s two major roads, Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue, will alleviate congestion and make navigating through Newport News even easier.
