As early as January 10, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will reopen all lanes on I-64 west near J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in Newport News. This change marks the end of a long-term traffic shift and lane reduction at this location, completing the third and final phase of bridge rehabilitation work for the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment.
To facilitate this transition, VDOT contractor crews will temporarily close the I-64 west on-ramp from northbound J. Clyde Morris Boulevard overnight on January 8 and 9, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., with a detour in place.
A similar traffic shift remains in effect for I-64 east at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard due to ongoing bridge rehabilitation. The eastbound lane restrictions are expected to be lifted by February.
VDOT stated, “Motorists 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.”
Travelers are encouraged to use VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools or the Waze GPS app for current road conditions. VDOT’s website and mobile app provide updates about construction, incidents, congestion, traffic cameras, and weather impacts.
The HREL Newport News Segment covers about 11.5 miles on I-64 between LaSalle Avenue in Hampton and just west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. Most of this segment will see existing HOV lanes converted into Express Lanes alongside general purpose lanes; one section will convert a general purpose lane into an Express Lane in each direction.
According to VDOT, “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.” The project aims to address increasing regional traffic demand by using dynamic tolling along with other improvements to manage congestion and offer more travel options.
VDOT is responsible for planning, building and maintaining Virginia’s transportation infrastructure—including roads, bridges and tunnels—across the state. The agency manages one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the country and provides services such as highway maintenance and real-time traffic information through systems like Virginia 511 (official website).
For more information or updates about the Hampton Roads Express Lanes projects, visit VDOT’s official website or 64expresslanes.org.