ATCS supported the $195 million federally funded I-95/Route 630 Interchange Reconstruction and Widening project that successfully constructed a new diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at Exit 140 in Stafford County, Virginia. The comprehensive project addressed growing regional transportation needs by improving traffic flow and safety through multiple interconnected improvements. Key components included constructing two bridge overpasses, widening Route 630 to four lanes west of I-95, and upgrading signalized intersections at Ramoth Church Road and Winding Creek Road.
Beyond the core interchange improvements, the project extended Hospital Boulevard to connect with Route 1 at Stafford Hospital and constructed two new commuter parking lots to support regional transit. Completed on time and under budget, the project met all milestones and earned the design-builder completion incentives, demonstrating effective infrastructure delivery.
I-95 and Route 630 (Courthouse Rd) Diverging Diamond Interchange (westward view)
Navigating Complex Interstate Construction Challenges
The project faced multiple technical and coordination challenges while reconstructing a critical interstate interchange. Maintaining traffic flow on I-95, one of the East Coast’s busiest north-south corridors, required precise planning and execution of construction phasing. The diverse elements of the project, from bridges and MSE walls to stormwater management facilities and commuter lots, demanded specialized expertise across multiple engineering disciplines.
Additionally, the project required close coordination with the concurrent Fredericksburg Express Lanes mega-project to avoid conflicting work zones, coordinate lane closures, synchronize public outreach, and implement design adjustments. This complex coordination environment required sophisticated management systems and clear communication protocols throughout the 2.5-year construction duration.
Comprehensive Management and Inspection Solutions
ATCS supported VDOT with managerial, technical, and administrative professionals, providing expertise in project management, environmental compliance, construction management, inspections, project controls, ITS, stakeholder facilitation, public outreach, communications, safety inspections, and survey and mapping services. Our Responsible Charge Engineer oversaw daily operations, offering decisive leadership, supervising staff, and overcoming complex challenges to ensure steady progress.
To adapt to project demands, ATCS’ Construction Inspection Coordinator worked closely with VDOT’s construction management team to reassign or add staff as needed, maintaining an efficient and lean workforce. Our Senior Scheduling Specialist was instrumental in establishing the project’s baseline schedule and conducting monthly updates, ensuring adherence to timelines and mitigating risks.
Beyond schedule management, ATCS handled Right-of-Way management, oversaw the plan review process, and addressed stakeholder needs by coordinating with local organizations and citizens. This coordination included sharing project updates, work schedules, and traffic maintenance strategies to enhance public awareness.
Over the 2.5-year project, ATCS provided consistent engagement, ensuring environmental compliance and supporting seamless project progression toward successful completion.
Project map indicating completed status of I-95 / Route 630 Interchange project
Leveraging Drone Technology for Enhanced Project Delivery
ATCS’ Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) played a crucial role in several project aspects, providing a cost-effective, efficient, and safe means of data collection and monitoring:
- Public Outreach and Visualization: Drone photography provided aerial perspectives that complemented traditional outreach materials, giving the community an intuitive understanding of the interchange’s design and traffic patterns before construction was complete.
- Inspections and Compliance: Aerial video and photography facilitated inspections of erosion control measures and water quality compliance across active work zones, streamlining environmental oversight.
- Milestone Monitoring: Regular drone-captured imagery documented monthly progress, allowing the team to track schedule adherence and identify areas requiring mitigation.
- Project Evolution: Comprehensive drone documentation captured the project’s progression from inception to completion, delivering valuable insights into work performance and contract compliance.
- Close-Out Documentation: Aerial imagery provided concrete evidence of as-built conditions, expediting the C-5 process and ensuring efficient project closeout.
Community and Regional Impact
The completed I-95/Route 630 Interchange significantly improved transportation throughout Stafford County while addressing growing regional demands. The innovative diverging diamond design enhances traffic flow while reducing potential conflict points, creating a safer driving experience for commuters and travelers.
Widened roadways and upgraded intersections created a more efficient transportation network, reducing congestion and improving travel time reliability through this vital corridor. The project also enhanced regional transit options through new commuter parking facilities and created essential connections to key destinations like Stafford Hospital.
Services
Related Projects
Client: Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
ATCS provided CEI support services for the $110 million design build project. We provided a Responsible Charge Engineer who was responsible for overall contract compliance, safety and quality, budget management, change management, allocation of resources and stakeholder coordination. ATCS also provided project control and inspection staff are responsible for document control, baseline and monthly schedule reviews, change management support, Independent Verification (IV) testing of materials, safety compliance, maintenance of traffic, utility verification and coordination, and environmental compliance reviews. The project was delivered successfully on time, on budget, and exceeded VDOT’s quality compliance goals.
