Modernizing Midlothian

Change is afoot along one of the busiest and long neglected stretches of Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County.

Why it matters: The county wants residents to weigh in on the future of the eastern portion of Route 60, the four-mile stretch of Midlothian Turnpike between Chippenham Parkway and Johnston-Willis Hospital.

The big picture: Chesterfield is growing, by a lot . The region's most populous county added more than 23,000 residents just between 2020 and 2023, and is expected to keep on growing.

• New commercial and residential development is already happening along the western part of Midlothian, and last year the county started work on its massive Springline at District 60 development , the most eastern part.
• But it's that middle stretch that needs attention, currently populated with circa 1970s and '80s strip malls, office parks and little else.

Zoom in: With a new, more comprehensive plan for that four-mile strip, Chesterfield is hoping to build on the momentum it's seeing to the east and west and "spur additional reinvestment" to the existing properties, per the county .

• Bike and pedestrian enhancements, transit-oriented development, better landscaping, more green space and building design recommendations are among the improvements the county is considering.

What's next: The survey will be open until 5pm on June 21.

• A public review of draft plans will be available by next spring.