News Summary
The Newport News drainage improvement project around Hilton Shopping Center has encountered unexpected delays, pushing its completion timeline to 2026. Originally scheduled to alleviate flooding on Warwick Boulevard, issues with underground utilities have stalled construction. City officials have been addressing these challenges since 2012, and local business owners express concern over decreasing customer traffic due to ongoing work. With hopes of resuming construction in late 2025, officials aim to minimize community disruptions and enhance infrastructure to support the local economy.
Newport News is set to continue work on a drainage improvement project around the Hilton Shopping Center, which has faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances. The project, designed to alleviate flooding issues on Warwick Boulevard, was originally scheduled for completion within the year but now is expected to take an additional year, pushing the timeline further into 2026.
The work initially commenced in March 2024 but was suspended in December 2024 after unexpected underground issues were discovered. City officials have been working on this drainage plan since 2012, with the objective of linking an existing sewer line between Center Avenue and Raleigh Road to the city’s primary sewer system. The intention is that this connection will allow stormwater to flow into a ditch, created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s, which eventually drains into the James River.
The halt in construction was attributed to the necessity for Dominion Energy to relocate underground power lines that were discovered to conflict with the project’s planned route. The Engineering Director of Newport News, Craig Galant, has noted that the unanticipated delay has increased overall project costs and postponed several other resurfacing initiatives along the corridor.
Local business owners, including Danielle Prince of Tastefully Philly Cafe, have expressed concerns regarding the impact of the construction on their operations. Prince opened her cafe shortly before the construction started and has reported a marked decline in customer traffic, as potential patrons are deterred by the challenging access that construction presents. Traffic congestion, compounded by construction barriers and signage, has led to increased difficulties for businesses in the area.
Construction is expected to resume in November 2025, with hopes that the project’s eventual completion will significantly mitigate flooding concerns on Warwick Boulevard. Business owners have expressed that the prolonged delays pose stability issues and threaten customer retention, with some locals beginning to return to local establishments like Prince’s cafe. Delivery services have also played a role in partially offsetting revenue dips during the construction period.
Currently, Dominion Energy has completed the relocation of two sections of underground power lines as part of their support for the drainage improvement efforts. This critical work was finalized in May and marks a key step in moving forward with the drainage installation.
City officials have acknowledged feedback from residents and business owners regarding the inconveniences caused by the project delays. The drainage improvement implementation aims not only to enhance the infrastructure but also to support the local economy by reducing flooding-related interruptions.
As the city prepares to recommence work on this essential project, the focus remains on ensuring timely completion while minimizing disruptions to the community and local businesses. In light of the construction timeline, ongoing communication between city officials, utility companies, and affected parties will be vital in facilitating a smoother execution of the project.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Warwick Boulevard Construction Delays
- WTKR: Road Improvements Coming to Newport News
- Smithfield Times: HRSD Adopts Sewer Fee Increases
- Daily Press: Newport News Stormwater Drainage Upgrades
- Cincinnati.com: Newport Project to Eliminate Sewer Overflow
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
