W.J. Vakos & Co. is working on plans that would allow southbound travelers on Interstate 95 to tie into Southpoint Parkway at a signalized intersection across from where the firm's new Vakos Real Estate division started this week.

Preliminary plans call for a new road that would connect to the off-ramp at Exit 126 that southbound I-95 travelers use to get onto U.S. 1. The project would not affect the northbound side of I-95.

The new road would likely increase traffic to Southpoint II, which W.J. Vakos & Co. is developing, and also potentially help the firm attract users to the 90 acres of undeveloped land it owns next to CarMax.

W.J. Vakos President Bill Vakos III said it could also alleviate the traffic jams that result on U.S. 1 at the I-95 interchange and give travelers a more direct connection to Courthouse Road.

Vakos said the plan is being discussed with the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and would also require state and federal approval.

Vakos estimated the cost at $2 million to $5 million and said it would likely be financed by a special tax on Southpoint property owners. He said it wouldn't require state or federal money, and that the existing I-95 off-ramp would remain open throughout construction.

Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405
Email: bfreehling@freelancestar.com