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NEWPORT NEWS/HAMPTON– Construction activities kicked off last month for the next phase of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) network, referred to as the “Newport News Segment,” on Interstate 64 (I-64) from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to east of LaSalle Avenue (exit 265) in Hampton.
As part of the $110 million construction contract awarded to contractor Lane Construction, the project includes the widening and reconfiguration of I-64 adding an Express Lane in each direction. For 10.2 miles of the corridor from Bland Boulevard to the I-664 interchange (exit 264), the existing high occupancy vehicles (HOV) lane in each direction will be converted into an Express Lane, alongside the three free general purpose lanes. For the remaining 1.3 miles of the segment between the I-664 interchange and Armistead Avenue, one general purpose lane will be converted into an Express Lane in each direction, alongside the two free general purpose lanes. The project also includes two bridge replacements (I-64 east and west over LaSalle Avenue) and six bridge rehabilitations (I-64 east and west over Armistead Avenue, over Billy Woods Canal, and over J. Clyde Morris Boulevard), as well as overhead sign and tolling gantry installation.
During construction, motorists can expect scheduled lane closures, long-term lane reductions and traffic shifts with narrowed lanes taking place throughout the corridor. Currently, daytime shoulder closures are occurring along I-64 in both directions while geotechnical boring operations are underway. Starting this spring, motorists will see the installation of temporary barriers in preparation for the initial phase of lane reductions and traffic shift, estimated to be in place until 2025.
Before hitting the road, consider using VDOT's free 511 Virginia traffic tools, or the free 511-integrated Waze GPS app, to check for the most up-to-date road and travel conditions. VDOT’s 511Virginia.org website and mobile app offer information about construction, traffic, incidents, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather-related impacts and more.
The I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment project is estimated to be completed as early as spring 2027. Construction schedules are dependent upon weather conditions and other unexpected circumstances and therefore, are subject to change.
For more information on the Newport News Express Lanes project and to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts and to sign-up to receive project updates, visit:
https://www.64expresslanes.org/under_construction/newport_news.asp
The HREL Newport News Segment will ultimately become a part of an overall continuous 45-mile high-occupancy toll Express Lanes network on I-64, from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. As traffic demand continues to increase in the region, incorporating the Express Lanes dynamic tolling model, together with other interstate improvements, provides an additional approach to managing congestion in the long term and providing more travel choices and a reliable travel network for Hampton Roads motorists.
The HREL network was identified as one of the Hampton Roads Regional Priority Projects by the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) and the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC). This construction project is funded by HRTAC, which is comprised of locally elected officials to address the most congested roadways in Hampton Roads using the Hampton Roads Transportation Fund. HRTAC then contracts with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to administer these projects. The development of the HREL network is made possible thanks to this partnership between HRTAC, HRTPO and VDOT, as part of a collective pursuit to relieve traffic congestion along I-64, ensuring a smoother commute for years to come.
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