NEW KENT COUNTY - Looking for someplace to take a break from your return trip from the beach? Thanks to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), it just got a bit easier. VDOT will officially open the new Interstate 64 West Safety Rest Area in New Kent County April 26 at 2 p.m.
The new rest area will showcase more than 9,000 square feet of traveler amenities including additional restroom facilities, new landscaping, vending, handicapped accessibility and traveler information kiosks to better serve travelers. The travelers' oasis was built to improve customers' experiences, but it was also designed with sustainable or “green” building standards.
Sustainable designs aim to produce places, products and services in a way that improves energy efficiency, reduces use of non-renewable resources and minimizes environmental impact. VDOT is working to become a leader among state agencies in building energy efficient and environmentally friendly facilities.
"Sustainable design principles align well with VDOT's aim for environmental excellence in planning, developing and delivering projects respectful of Virginia's natural and historic resources," said VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern. "We are able to bring better services to our customers who depend on these facilities, and we are protecting one of Virginia's most valuable resources-its environment."
The New Kent County facility is one of three safety rest area reconstruction projects under way in the commonwealth. The I-81 South Welcome Center near Winchester and the I-95 South Welcome Center in Fredericksburg will open this summer. The three reconstruction projects were designed to meet the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
All three facilities are designed to at least earn LEED Silver certification when they open this summer. The I-64 New Kent County Safety Rest Area was built to potentially obtain the LEED Gold certification—which would make it the first commonwealth-owned building to achieve this certification. USGBC's LEED certification review is still under way and is anticipated to be complete within the next 60 to 90 days.
Jeff Caldwell (804) 225-3712
Dawn Eischen (804) 524-6179
Email: Jeffrey.Caldwell@VDOT.Virginia.gov