RICHMOND—The Virginia Department of Transportation received three conceptual proposals from firms vying to develop a new U.S. Route 460 between Petersburg and Suffolk.

VDOT announced Thursday receipt of proposals from Cintra Infraestructuras S.A.U., 460 Partners Inc. and Multimodal Solutions LLC. VDOT has up to 30 days to evaluate the proposals to ensure that each meets certain specifications and requirements.

Proposals meeting the requirements will move on to a review by an independent panel.

In May, VDOT Commissioner Gregory A. Whirley terminated the previous procurement process that started in 2006 due to changes in market conditions.

According to VDOT, the U.S. Route 460 project remains a high priority because of its importance as an emergency and hurricane evacuation route, for strategic military connectivity, the safety of the traveling public and the movement of freight in and out of the Hampton Roads ports.

The new 55-mile, four-lane divided highway would be developed south of the existing road from Interstate 295 in Prince George County and Route 58 in Suffolk.