Hampton Roads Express Lanes Chesapeake Project Update: Jan. 2024

PROJECT UPDATE

January 2024

Hampton Roads Express Lanes

Chesapeake Segment Update

IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW EXPRESS LANES SIGNAGE, MARKINGS TO BEGIN AHEAD OF TOLL-FREE TESTING PERIOD IN CHESAPEAKE

Motorists to see new Express Lanes signage, pavement markings and white posts as the transition begins from standard HOV operations to Express Lanes operations over the next several months.

Starting this month, motorists traveling on I-64 in Chesapeake will begin to see the unveiling of new signage, the addition of new pavement markings including new double white lines along the inside travel lane, and the continued installation of white posts along the double white lines for the new Chesapeake Express Lanes.

While some have seen these new double white lines and white posts installed over the last several weeks in sections of I-64 between the Bowers Hill Interchange and the High Rise Bridge, these new Express Lanes elements will continue to be phased in through the remaining portions of the new Chesapeake Segment of the I-64 Express Lanes up to the I-264 interchange in Norfolk.

Starting as early as the week of Jan. 21, the HOV operations currently in place on the inside lanes of I-64 between the I-464 and I-264 interchanges will begin transitioning to a toll-free period of Express Lanes operations to allow the public free access to familiarize themselves with these new lanes prior to the start of dynamic high-occupancy tolling operations estimated to begin as early as spring 2024.

During this toll-free trial period, both solo drivers and multi-passenger vehicles will be able to use the new Express Lanes to get acquainted with navigating the segment and its available entrance and exit points at no cost.

TRANSITIONS, TRAFFIC AND

TOLL-FREE TESTING PERIOD

The transition to the new Express Lanes’ static and electronic signage, pavement markings and double white lines will begin in phases over the next month on I-64 between I-464 and I-264.

Starting as early as Sunday, Jan. 21, weather and temperatures permitting, crews are scheduled to start the replacement, installation and uncovering of the new signage and pavement markings, first starting eastbound on I-64, followed by the westbound direction to be completed as early as late February.

Once these new elements are in place, the current standard HOV restrictions will no longer be implemented in this section of I-64, allowing motorists the opportunity to learn and experience the new Express Lanes toll-free as final systems testing and transition activities are completed during this time.

During this transition, motorists will also begin to see:

New Dynamic Message Signs: New electronic message signs indicating “Express Lane Open, No Toll” or “Express Lane Closed,” as well as message signs undergoing mandatory testing that will display a mix of characters such as “TEST1$AB.CD” to ensure the signs are functioning correctly.

New Express Lanes Speed Limit Signs: New speed limit signage will be in place, indicating the new 65 mph speed limit in effect specifically for the Express Lanes.

New Double White Pavement Markings: The placement of the remaining double white lines on the pavement, dividing each Express Lane from the adjacent general purpose lanes, is estimated to be complete by spring 2024.

As warmer temperatures permit, the remaining white posts will be installed in this western section of the Chesapeake Segment starting in the spring. In the meantime, drivers must stay within the Express Lanes until they reach the designated entrance and exit points indicated by the transition of pavement markings from double white lines to single dashed lines.

As a reminder, regardless of whether the white posts are present or not in a section, it is against the law for vehicles to cross double white lines and is subject to police enforcement.

We encourage all our local drivers to take advantage of this free opportunity to familiarize themselves with this new road configuration and learn the “in’s and out’s” prior to the start of tolling operations anticipated in the spring.

NAVIGATING THE CHESAPEAKE SEGMENT (PRE-TOLLING AND DURING TOLLING):

Once all sections of the Chesapeake Express Lanes have opened to traffic between Bowers Hill and the I-264 interchange in Norfolk, there will be multiple access and exit points for drivers to navigate in and out of the Express Lanes to reach their desired destination along I-64 listed below:

I-64 East (Toward Suffolk)

Express Lanes Entrances:

at the Twin Bridges (just past the I-264 interchange)
after Indian River Road (exit 286)
after Great Bridge Boulevard before the High Rise Bridge

Express Lanes Exits:

after Indian River Road (exit 286)
after Great Bridge Boulevard before the High Rise Bridge
before the I-664/I-264 Bowers Hill interchange (exit 299)

I-64 West (Toward Virginia Beach)

Express Lanes Entrances:

after the I-664/I-264 Bowers Hill interchange
before Great Bridge Boulevard (exit 292)
after Greenbrier Parkway (exit 289)

Express Lanes Exits:

before Great Bridge Boulevard (exit 292)
after Greenbrier Parkway (exit 289)
after Indian River Road (exit 286) before I-264 interchange (exit 284)

Learn to Navigate the Express Lanes Using our Interactive Map at 64expresslanes.org/drive

FULL EXPRESS LANES OPERATIONS TO BEGIN IN 2024

Once the high-occupancy tolling begins in Chesapeake, anticipated in spring 2024, an E-ZPass transponder will be required for all vehicles using the Express Lanes.

Solo drivers may use either a standard E-ZPass or an E-ZPass Flex transponder to pay a toll to use the Express Lane or continue using the other general purpose lanes for free. Those traveling with two or more passengers can use the Express Lanes for free by using the required E-ZPass Flex transponder switched to “HOV-ON” mode.

The I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes tolls are dynamically priced according to current traffic conditions and adjust approximately every 5 minutes, helping to manage congestion and improve travel time reliability in both the general purpose and Express Lanes.

As the toll system calculates pricing based on congestion in the Express Lanes, increased congestion in the Express Lanes results in higher toll prices to reduce the number of vehicles taking the Express Lanes at that time, and decreased congestion in the Express Lanes results in lower toll prices. Controlling congestion in the Express Lanes in this manner allows for more reliable speed and free-flowing travel.

Following the start of tolling operations in 2024, Express Lanes operations will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week for both the new Chesapeake Segment, as well as the previously existing Norfolk Reversible Express Lanes located between the I-264 and I-564 interchanges.

SWITCH TO SAVE:

E-ZPASS FLEX VS. STANDARD TRANSPONDER

While both versions will work for solo drivers choosing to pay the Express Lanes toll, the E-ZPass Flex transponder is the only version that allows vehicles with two or more passengers to use the Express Lanes toll-free.

To get an E-ZPass transponder or to exchange your standard E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex, visit ezpassva.com, call 1-877-762-7824, or visit an E-ZPass Customer Service Center for more information.

When exchanging for an E-ZPass Flex, you will have to return your current transponder by mailing it or dropping it off at an E-ZPass Customer Service Center.

New customers can also pick up an E-ZPass transponder through participating retailers, found at www.ezpassva.com/locations.

Take advantage of this toll-free introductory trial period now to pick up your

E-ZPass Flex, so you’ll be prepared when you have the choice to take the Express Lanes—whether driving solo or with others!

MORE INFORMATION

The Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Chesapeake Segment will ultimately become a part of the overall HREL network, a continuous, 45-mile network of Express Lanes on I-64 in each traffic direction, 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 providing motorists with more travel options.

To learn more about Hampton Roads Express Lanes projects, tolling operations, and how to navigate the different segments, visit ww.64expresslanes.org/drive.