I-64 Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge Expansion Project

February 2023 Update

Where are we now and what's next? 

Currently, the project is approximately 90% completed. Recent project milestones include:

• Opening of the new High Rise Bridge carrying traffic toward Virginia Beach;
• Opening newly widened bridges on I-64 over Shell Road, Yadkin Road and Military Highway;
• Installing nearly 85% of project sound walls; and
• Installing approximately 95% of overhead sign structures.

The contractor, Granite Parsons Corman (GPC), continues to complete as much work as possible during these winter months as weather conditions allow. The remaining work includes construction that is weather- and temperature-dependent, such as installation of asphalt, paving and installation of pavement markings. In order to maintain two travel lanes during peak daytime hours, much of this work will be completed at night when weather conditions can be less favorable. Therefore, weather conditions will push some of the remaining work into summer 2023. VDOT will continue to monitor the schedule and provide updates as changes happen.

New High Rise Bridge opened to I-64 west (toward Virginia Beach) traffic in July

Construction to convert the existing bridge continues 

In July 2022, the newly constructed fixed-span bridge over the Elizabeth River opened, serving I-64 west motorists traveling toward Virginia Beach. This new bridge has a 100-foot vertical clearance, widened shoulders, added capacity, and removes the need to stop I-64 west traffic, while the original (now I-64 east only) bridge has a bascule span opening for maritime traffic.

The median barrier wall of the original High Rise Bridge has been removed and construction continues to convert the bridge to serve three lanes of traffic traveling toward Suffolk (I-64 east). 

Image of the new High Rise Bridge, captured on Jan. 30, can be seen from the project cameras. Camera is facing toward Suffolk.

Photo taken from the top of the original High Rise Bridge now carrying only I-64 east traffic shows the removal of the median barrier wall and new updated overhead signage. Image captured on Feb. 6.

Sound wall installation nearly 85% complete

Sound wall installation is well underway with approximately 85% of the nearly 8-miles of sound walls completed. Sound walls are specially designed to reduce noise levels created by highway traffic in locations that meet the federal and state requirements for noise abatements. 

Image depicts newly installed sound wall on I-64 east near Shell Road. Photo captured Oct. 14.

Crews carefully erect sound wall panels. Each 8x24 foot precast concrete panel weighs approximately seven tons. Photo captured Oct. 14.

Located throughout most of the corridor, sound walls are comprised of concrete panels abating noise and providing privacy for residents along the highway. However, motorists may notice one special transparent segment at the east end of the new High Rise bridge. These barriers are constructed of specially made acrylic that’s designed for long-term outdoor use. Not only do these transparent noise barriers preserve the aesthetic overlook on the bridge, but the lightweight material is compatible for mounting on the bridge structure.

Image depicts sound wall installed on the new High Rise Bridge on I-64 west on the east end of the bridge. Photo captured Oct. 14.

Widened bridges on I-64 over Shell Road, Yadkin Road and Military Highway open to traffic

Crews have shifted traffic onto the widened portions of the six bridges (one in each direction) at the following locations:



• Shell Road
• Yadkin Road
• Military Highway

The newly widened Yadkin Road can be seen from the project camera. Camera is facing toward Suffolk, captured on Jan. 30.

I-64 Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge Project featured on City of Chesapeake's "'Peake Life"

High Rise Bridge Project Director Mike Presiozo went on scene of the project to speak with Mike Barnett with the City of Chesapeake to provide a project update. 

Watch the video by clicking here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pavement on the roadway now the final pavement?

This project requires several construction phases to accomplish the work while maintaining two travel lanes in both directions for motorists. The current phases of work require motorists to ride on both the previously existing pavement and additional temporary riding surfaces not in final conditions. The full corridor will receive a final overlay towards the completion of the project during warmer weather conditions.

VDOT and the project team are dedicated to maintaining safe work zones for both the traveling motorists as well as project workers. 

Aside from adding an Express Lane, how else will this project help my commute?

In addition, the new High Rise Bridge, which will be used exclusively for westbound I-64 traffic (toward Virginia Beach), will feature a fixed span because of its height, eliminating bridge lifts for motorists traveling in this direction. The existing travel lanes will also receive an asphalt overlay during construction.

Will the new Express Lanes be tolled?

One Express Lane is being built in each direction from Bowers Hill to nearly one mile past I-464 and includes Express Lanes on the High Rise bridges. Once the Express Lanes are operational, vehicles with two or more passengers 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. While this project will add one Express Lane in each direction, two free, general purpose lanes will remain in each direction upon completion of the project. 

To view more FAQs, please visit the FAQ section of the project website. 

Lane closures and traffic impacts

During construction, two existing lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction during the vast majority of operations. Occasional short-term lane closures will be necessary. Construction operations that require longer-duration single-lane closures are limited to night operations. All scheduled lane closures will be announced in advance on electronic overhead signs and on the Traffic Alerts page.

Please note that crashes, emergency maintenance work and other unforeseen incidents may result in lane closures, stoppages and temporary detours.

Motorists are advised to plan their commute by using VDOT’s free traffic information tools:

● Download the 511 Virginia smartphone app, or 511-integrated Waze app.

● Visit the www.511Virginia.org website or dial 511 for traffic information on your phone.

● Follow @511hamptonroads and @VaDOTHR on Twitter.