Transportation
Chronically congested roads, poor rail service and limited air service may discourage industry and business from locating in Newport News. In order to promote economic development and maintain our quality of life, transportation improvements must keep pace with economic growth.
Through 2030, employment growth will take place along Jefferson Avenue, north of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, in Oakland Industrial Park and Asheton. Employment growth may also occur in the Camp Morrison Industrial Park and in the Downtown Maritime Center. The most crucial improvements need to be constructed in the center of the City. These include the extension of Middle Ground Boulevard leading into Oyster Point. Other improvements include the Route 60 relocation, I-64 widening and Atkinson Boulevard.
Air service at the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport improved significantly between 2000 and 2006 and continues to grow. The introduction of low fare routes at the Airport has attracted passengers from beyond the Peninsula. The Airport continues to make improvements, including additional parking, to accommodate this growth. If an airline were to choose the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport as a mini-hub, air service would dramatically improve again. Recommendations to improve the City's transportation system are made in Chapter 4 on transportation.