PROJECT UPDATE
June 2022
Hampton Roads Express Lanes
Chesapeake Segment Project Update
Construction continues in the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Chesapeake segment as overhead structures and signage are installed through this spring and summer.

This segment of HREL spans 7.65 miles along I-64 in both directions primarily in the Greenbrier area, where the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV-2+) lanes are being converted to Express Lanes from the I-64/I-464 interchange to the I-64/I-264 interchange.

Currently, motorists traveling I-64 between Indian River Road (exit 286) and Battlefield Boulevard (exit 291) may notice:
·       Installation of new overhead sign structures spanning across I-64
·       Installation of new static signage
·       Removal of bridge-mounted signage

The new signs being placed on the new and existing overhead sign structures are for the Express Lanes and are currently estimated to remain covered until approximately 2023. In the future, motorists will see HOV signage replaced, and the addition of
E-ZPass pavement markings and lane dividers indicating travel in the Express Lanes.

The majority of construction completed in this segment includes underground electrical work and the installation of concrete sign foundations and concrete pads for backup generator sites that will be used to maintain communication across the Express Lanes system. Crews also completed the installation of metal gantry structures, guardrails and new dynamic message signs. Aldridge Electric is the contractor on this $19.2 million design-bid-build project in Chesapeake that began construction in late winter 2020. All construction work is dependent upon weather conditions and the schedule is subject to change.

Once this new Express Lanes segment is operational, vehicles with two or more passengers and properly equipped with an E-ZPass Flex Transponder switched to "HOV ON" can take the Express Lanes free of charge. More info at E-ZPass Virginia.
I-64 TRAVEL ADVISORY
Indian River Road (exit 286) to Battlefield Boulevard (exit 290)
Single and double-lane closures may be in place Monday through Friday, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on I-64 in both directions between I-264 (exit 284) and I-464 (exit 291) and varies by location on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional travel impacts are scheduled as follows, weather and schedule permitting:

  • Triple-lane closures on I-64 east near Indian River Road (exit 286) June 9 starting as early 9 p.m., with brief, intermittent stoppages starting at 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
  • Triple-lane closures on I-64 east near Indian River Road (exit 286) June 10 starting as early as 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
  • Full closure of the on-ramp from Indian River Road to I-64 east June 10 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with a signed detour in place.
  • Full closure of the on-ramp from Indian River Road to I-64 west June 15 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with a signed detour in place.

All construction work is dependent upon weather conditions and the schedule is subject to change. For more information on significant lane closures across Hampton Roads, view the travel alerts from VDOT Hampton Roads.

You can also download the 511 smartphone app or 511-integrated Waze app, visit the 511 Virginia website or dial 511 for traffic information.
COMPLETED INSTALLATIONS
Four toll gantries and 21 overhead sign structures are included this segment. The photo on the left shows one of two structures spanning across I-64 in both directions near Greenbrier Parkway (exit 289). The photo on the right is one of the generator sites on I-64 west.
FUTURE EXPRESS LANE SIGNAGE
While waiting to be installed and covered, more than 50 signs related to the Express Lanes have been stored off of I-664
near Dock Landing Road (exit 12).

Once the Express Lanes are operational, vehicles with two or more passengers and equipped with an E-ZPass Flex Transponder switched to "HOV ON" can take the Express Lanes free of charge. Solo drivers may choose to use the Express Lanes by paying a variable toll with a properly-funded E-ZPass or
E-ZPass Flex Transponder.
More info at E-ZPass Virginia.
HAMPTON ROADS EXPRESS LANES NETWORK
Construction of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) network consists of both the conversion of existing HOV-2+ lanes into Express Lanes and the construction of the new Express Lanes on I-64 in both directions for approximately 44 miles, from the Jefferson Avenue interchange (exit 255) in Newport News to the I-64, I-264 and I-664 Bowers Hill interchange (exit 299) in Chesapeake. The Express Lanes are designed to help reduce congestion, provide more reliable drive times, and offer more options for solo drivers throughout the region’s interstate network along I-64.

The HREL network is divided into four segments and currently scheduled to be delivered in two phases. Phase one includes the current construction of the HREL Chesapeake segment and the addition of the Express Lanes in the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) as part of the HRBT Expansion Project. Phase two includes the Hampton, Newport News and Norfolk segments which are currently in design. The
I-64 Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge Expansion Project, which is within the HREL Chesapeake segment, is also underway in Chesapeake and when completed, will have an Express Lane in both directions.

The Express Lanes in Chesapeake are currently estimated to be operational in 2023. For more information on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes segments in Hampton, Newport News and Norfolk, visit the I-64 Express Lanes website. The entire Hampton Roads Express Lanes network is currently estimated to be in operation by late 2026.

Motorist are encouraged to use an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex transponder to use the Express Lanes during operating hours. Visit E-ZPass Virginia to get your transponder and learn more about using E-ZPass in the Express Lanes.

Enjoy this three minute
drive-through simulation video explaining how the Hampton Roads Express Lanes will operate
and
visit the website at the link below to learn more.
Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌ YouTube ‌ Instagram ‌