VDOT News - Hampton Roads

NORFOLK – Construction activities for the first phase of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Norfolk Segment projects, designated as “Norfolk Segment 1A,” are scheduled to begin as early as Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. The project is designed to provide a safe and more reliable travel option for motorists and help relieve congestion at key locations along Interstate 64 (I-64), spanning approximately 2 miles from Tidewater Drive (exit 277) to Patrol Road. 

As part of the $163 million design-build contract awarded to contractor Allan Myers, the project will convert the existing shoulder to a part-time shoulder Express Lane, which will run alongside the three existing general purpose lanes in each direction. This project also includes the widening and rehabilitation of five bridges, as well as the rehabilitation of three additional bridges within the project corridor. Once completed, the part-time shoulder Express Lane will operate in the opposite direction of the Reversible Roadway Express Lanes. In the mornings, motorists traveling westbound on I-64 will use the Reversible Roadway Express Lanes, while motorists traveling eastbound will use the part-time shoulder Express Lane. In the afternoons, the directional usage will reverse, with eastbound motorists using the Reversible Express Lanes and westbound motorists using the part-time shoulder Express Lane. Adding the part-time shoulder Express Lanes will provide a bidirectional Express Lane option, allowing motorists to experience the benefits of the Express Lanes 24 hours a day. 

During construction, motorists can expect scheduled lane closures, short- and long-term lane reductions and traffic shifts throughout the corridor. Shoulder strengthening along I-64 in both directions is estimated to begin as early as Oct. 15, with overnight single-lane closures. As early as this fall, a long-term continuous shoulder closure on the off-ramp from I-564 east to I-64 east is anticipated to begin, in addition to overnight, single-lane and shoulder closures planned in the I-64 Reversible Roadway Express Lanes. 

There are no plans to restrict access to I-564 at any time. 

All construction work is dependent upon weather conditions. The I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes Norfolk Segment 1A project is estimated to be completed in early 2026. The public is encouraged to sign up for project email updates and learn more about the project online at https://64expresslanes.org/under_construction/norfolk.asp to stay informed of construction activities and traffic impacts. 

Motorists should plan their drive with VDOT’s free traffic information tools:  

• Download the 511Virgina app.  
• Visit the 511Virginia website or dial 511 for traffic information on your phone. 

The HREL Norfolk Segment 1A will ultimately become a part of the overall HREL network, a continuous 45-mile network of Express Lanes in each traffic direction on I-64, from east of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-64/I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. The HREL network is designed to transport more motorists through the region while helping to alleviate congestion and allowing motorists more travel options.  For more information on the rest of our Express Lanes Segments and how they will operate, please visit www.64expresslanes.org/drive. 

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