VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Construction along South Plaza Trail in Virginia Beach is ramping up as the city continues efforts to tackle longstanding stormwater drainage issues and reduce neighborhood flooding. The extensive project, underway since earlier this year, is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at protecting residential and commercial areas from recurring storm-related water damage.

Currently, a section of South Plaza Trail near South Rosemont Road remains closed to traffic—except for emergency vehicles accessing the nearby fire station. Beginning June 14, additional closures will be implemented, with South Plaza Trail shut down to through traffic between Rosemont Road and Presidential Boulevard. Local officials assure the public that access will remain available for those who live or operate businesses in the area.

Silina Drive remains the designated detour route, and city signage and traffic control are in place to guide drivers.

According to the city’s latest update, contractors are focusing efforts at the intersection of Presidential Boulevard and South Plaza Trail, following the recent installation of a 12-inch sanitary sewer force main between Rosemont and Presidential. The current phase includes concrete work along Presidential Boulevard, from Silina Drive to South Plaza Trail. Crews are constructing curbs and gutters, ADA-compliant ramps, sidewalks, and new driveway aprons.

“This concrete perimeter is foundational for reconstructing the new pavement section,” the city noted in a public statement.

Despite being on schedule for completion by September, the months-long roadwork is having a noticeable impact on local commerce and daily routines. Some local business owners say the project, though necessary, is affecting foot traffic and customer access.

“It’s impacting all the businesses around here… people crying right now because they’re not doing enough business because of the traffic,” said Dexter James, owner of Jerrrk Time Caribbean Cuisine, a popular restaurant in the area.

Other residents and business owners, while frustrated by the disruption, remain hopeful that the finished project will ultimately ease the flooding that has long plagued the neighborhood.

“Because when it floods, it’s a lot of water in the parking lot and stuff like that, and you can’t really see where you’re going. You don’t know how tall the water is,” James added.

Flooding has become a growing concern for many communities across Virginia Beach due to heavier rains and aging infrastructure. The improvements being made along South Plaza Trail, including storm drainage and sanitary sewer system upgrades, are designed to mitigate these impacts while supporting long-term development in the region.

In the meantime, city officials are urging drivers to exercise patience and caution in the construction zone. They recommend motorists obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and be alert for workers and machinery operating in the area.

More updates will be provided as the project moves into its final stages over the summer.

Originally reported by Angela Bohon in WTKR.