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HAMPTON — Beginning as early as Nov. 3, contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are scheduled to implement a long-term on-ramp closure from southbound LaSalle Avenue to I-64 east as construction of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment continues.
The ramp closure, estimated to be in place for approximately one year, will allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the I-64 bridges over LaSalle Avenue to accommodate the new on-ramp and bridge heights being raised to meet current design standards.
Signed detours will be in place directing motorists traveling southbound on LaSalle Avenue to follow Mercury Boulevard to the I-64 east on-ramp. Motorists traveling on North Armistead Avenue are encouraged to follow the detour signs to LaSalle Avenue, West Pembroke Avenue, Power Plant Parkway, and I-664 north to access I-64 east.
Additionally, the previously scheduled long-term lane reduction and traffic shift on I-64 west, extending the two-lane road configuration from Armistead Avenue through the I-664 interchange, has been rescheduled to Nov. 3, weather and schedule permitting.
Motorists are encouraged to use I-664 as an alternate route to avoid the work area when possible and are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs and drive distraction-free.
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.
This work is part of the HREL Newport News Segment Project that spans approximately 11.5 miles on I-64, starting just east of LaSalle Avenue (exit 265) in Hampton and ending 1.2 miles west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. For 10.5 miles of the segment, from just west of Jefferson Avenue (exit 255) to I-664 (exit 264), the existing HOV lane in each direction will be converted into an Express Lane, alongside the three general purpose lanes. For the last 1 mile of the segment between I-664 and LaSalle Avenue, one general purpose lane will be converted into an Express Lane in each direction, alongside two general purpose lanes.
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. For more information on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes projects and to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts and to sign up to receive project updates, visit 64expresslanes.org.
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