Western Branch, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Western Branch
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Borough
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 Western Branch
Location in Virginia
Western Branch
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| Independent city | Chesapeake |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 32,096 |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Western Branch is a community in the city of Chesapeake, Virginia, in the United States. It used to be part of Norfolk County. This area is in the South Hampton Roads region. It has mostly flat, sandy land, typical of a coastal plain. The western part of the Elizabeth River gives the area its name. This river forms the eastern edge of Western Branch. It is the most northern borough in Chesapeake.
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History of Western Branch
In the 1970s and early 1980s, many people lived in Western Branch. Some worked at the General Electric plant in Suffolk, Virginia. Others were military families. They chose to live here to be away from the busy areas of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
When the GE plant closed in the mid-1980s, some people lost their jobs. However, many new jobs and businesses grew in the area. This brought new chances for residents.
Western Branch Today
Today, Western Branch is mostly a place where people live. There are many homes here. There is one main business area. It is located around Taylor Road and Portsmouth Boulevard. Here you can find a Wal-Mart Supercenter. There are also several small shopping centers. One enclosed mall, Chesapeake Square Mall, is also in this area. The mall has become smaller compared to how much the area has grown since 2001.
Most people who live in Western Branch travel to work. They often go to Norfolk or Virginia Beach. Some also travel north across the harbor to the Virginia Peninsula.
Western Branch shares its borders with other places. To the east and northeast, it borders Portsmouth. To the west and northwest, it borders Suffolk. The borough of Bowers Hill is to the south.
Local Schools
The only high school in Western Branch is Western Branch High School. It is run by Chesapeake Public Schools. This school also serves students from Bower's Hill. The school's sports teams are called the "Western Branch Bruins."
Historically, Churchland High School in Portsmouth has been a big rival. More recently, Nansemond River High School has become a new rival. This is because they are in the same sports district. Students also enjoy friendly competition on social media.
Highways and Travel
Two main highways are easy to reach for people in Western Branch.
Interstate 664
I-664 is part of the Hampton Roads Beltway. It goes right through the middle of Western Branch. This highway helps residents travel north and south. If you take I-664 south, you can get to I-64. This road leads towards southern Chesapeake. You can also reach I-264. This highway goes towards Portsmouth. From there, you can use the Downtown Tunnel to get to Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
State Route 164
At the northern edge of the city, State Route 164 begins. It goes into the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area. This route passes through Portsmouth. It then uses the Midtown Tunnel to cross the water.
