Nansemond Parkway has long been a problem.

It’s hard to believe that at one time, Nansemond Parkway was nothing but farmland.

For miles and miles, fields dominated the landscape.

Yet, that is no longer the case.

Housing developments and neighborhoods have flocked to the area, bringing more homes and people to the Sleepy Hole borough, not to mention new businesses and industry.

And while the added population brings new lifeblood and energy to the area, it also creates a need that many in the community say is desperate to be filled.

With an increased number of drivers and traffic on the road, something needs to be done about the road’s maintenance, upkeep and use.

After hearing the complaints and studying the area, the city is planning to widen Nansemond Parkway into a 4-lane divided roadway. The widening project would be just from Shoulders Hill Road through Helen Street. Plus, the city has planned to put in sidewalks, a multi-use trail, landscaping work and associated intersection improvements with Shoulders Hill Road.

To prepare citizens and residents for the adjustment as well as educate them on the plans, the Department of Public Works will be hosting an informational meeting on the widening of Nansemond Parkway on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Nansemond River High School from 6 to 8 p.m.

During the two hour meeting, there will be an open session during the first hour to give attendees the opportunity to review construction design drawings and meet one on one with staff from the Virginia Department of Transportation as well as the city of Suffolk.

To kick off the second hour, there will be a formal presentation from staff, followed by a follow-up question and answer session in the latter part of the hour.

For more information on the meeting or for questions regarding the meeting, contact Sherry Earley, Public Works Engineering Manager, at 514-7703 or Eric Nielsen, Director of Public Works, at 514-4356.