Hanover Secures $4M to Expand Road for Economic Growth

Hanover County just took a major step toward transforming 900 acres of wooded land into a thriving economic hub. The county secured $4 million from the Central Virginia Transportation Authority to widen a 1.5-mile stretch of Mountain Road, paving the way for new jobs and investment.

The funding will support expanding Route 33 from two lanes to four between the Hanover-Henrico county line and Winns Church Road. County officials designated this area as an Economic Development Zone back in 2013 because of its prime location near Interstate 295 and potential for growth.

"It's vacant land, it's prime for economic development. It's got great proximity to I-295," said Jo Ann Hunter, Hanover's planning and community development director. The improved road will help traffic flow smoothly as businesses move into the corridor.

The $4 million represents the first piece of a $53 million project that will include pedestrian walkways alongside the wider road. Engineering and planning work should begin within the next two years, with county officials mapping out $31.5 million in additional funding through 2031.

The Ripple Effect

This infrastructure investment does more than just add lanes. Right now, traffic backs up where the road narrows from four lanes to two at the county line, creating a bottleneck that discourages business development.

By extending the four-lane segment deeper into Hanover, the county removes a major barrier for companies looking to invest. A data center campus on 430 acres has already been proposed for the area, which could bring construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities to the region.

The wider road will also make the area more attractive for other types of businesses seeking easy highway access and room to grow. County officials plan to hold community meetings soon to gather input from residents about the project design.

The Central Virginia Transportation Authority awarded nearly $148 million total to regional projects, but Hanover's $4 million stands out as an investment in future prosperity rather than just fixing current problems.

Sometimes the best news isn't about what's happening today, but what's being built for tomorrow.