NORFOLK -- The new flyover ramp from Interstate 64 west to Interstate 264 east will open to traffic this week, with final preparations for the traffic shift beginning at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, and the ramp open to traffic by 5 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20.
After multiple pre-opening inspections and the completion of outstanding work, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has determined the ramp is now ready for the more than 100,000 vehicles expected to use it each day.
"We promised a quality product, and that's what we've delivered" said VDOT Hampton Roads District Engineer Chris Hall. "This ramp will play an important role in the improved functionality of the I-64/264 interchange for many years to come."
Motorists should be prepared to utilize the new traffic pattern for their morning commute on Friday, Sept. 20. Because it can take time for motorists to become accustomed to the new traffic pattern, VDOT encourages everyone traveling through the area to use caution and pay attention to signage.
How to Utilize the New Ramp
- Motorists traveling from I-64 west to mainline I-264 east should keep left to access the new flyover ramp, which will place traffic directly into the inside lanes of I-264 east.
- Motorists traveling from I-64 west to Newtown Road should keep right and follow the existing traffic pattern.
What the New Ramp Accomplishes
- The ramp will add capacity at the interchange and remove a conflict point by elevating traffic from the I-64 west ramp over the I-264 east collector-distributor road and placing motorists directly onto mainline I-264 east.
- This new traffic pattern will eliminate the jockeying that occurs between drivers leaving I-264 for Newtown Road and those merging onto I-264 from I-64 west.
Next Steps for the Interchange Improvements Project
- After the new ramp opens, the Phase I contractor will finish construction on mainline I-264 east, which will bring additional capacity to the interchange, and continue work on the sound wall beside I-64 east (Wall R) near Kidd Boulevard, among other items. Lane and ramp closures are possible throughout the project as construction continues, with a completion date of fall 2019.
- Phase II of the interchange improvements project is currently under construction and includes extending the new collector-distributor roadway built in Phase I from the Newtown Road interchange to the Witchduck Road interchange, re-configuring the south side of both interchanges to eliminate the weave movement and building a flyover across I-264 to connect Greenwich Road on the south side of the interstate with Cleveland Street on the north side. That phase is scheduled for completion in fall 2021.
