Contractor crews working with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will conduct overnight full closures on I-64 east in Hampton as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Hampton Segment project. The closures are scheduled to start as early as August 5 and are intended for overhead sign installations and removal.
The first closure is planned between Rip Rap Road (exit 265C) and Settlers Landing Road (exit 267), from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. on August 5, with a backup date set for August 6. During this time, all lanes on I-64 east will be closed, and motorists will be directed via a signed detour from Rip Rap Road through North Armistead Avenue and Settlers Landing Road back onto I-64 east.
Single-lane closures will begin at 10 p.m. on August 4 ahead of the full closure later that night.
Additional full closures are scheduled for August 6 and August 7, also from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m., between Settlers Landing Road/Woodland Road (exit 267) and Mallory Street (exit 268). These closures will allow for both installation of new overhead signs and removal of an existing sign. A detour route will guide drivers from Settlers Landing Road through Woodland Road, Mercury Boulevard, and Mallory Street before returning to I-64 east.
Nightly single-lane closures leading up to these full closures will start at 10 p.m. on both nights prior.
According to VDOT, “Closures and detours will continue periodically this summer and fall to accommodate additional overhead sign installations. Public notifications will be provided in advance of any additional scheduled full closures.”
Motorists are encouraged by VDOT to use alternate routes such as I-664 when possible during these times, exercise caution near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings, pay attention to digital message signs, and avoid distractions while driving.
VDOT also advises travelers to check real-time traffic conditions using their free 511 Virginia traffic tools or the Waze GPS app integrated with the same data system. The 511Virginia website offers information about construction activity, incidents, congestion updates, traffic cameras, weather impacts, and more.
The HREL Hampton Segment project involves converting three existing general purpose lanes in each direction into one Express Lane, one part-time Express Lane, and two general purpose lanes per direction over two miles between west of Mallory Street (exit 268) and LaSalle Avenue (exit 265A). The effort includes widening the interstate corridor by adding an extra travel lane in each direction along with improvements or replacements for six mainline bridges—including replacing two eastbound bridges over the Hampton River—and rehabilitating another bridge for westbound traffic.
Once completed, this segment is set to become part of a continuous high-occupancy toll Express Lanes network spanning approximately forty-five miles from Newport News’ Denbigh Boulevard area through Chesapeake’s Bowers Hill interchange at I-264/I-664 (project details). The expanded network aims to manage growing regional traffic demand by offering dynamic tolling options alongside traditional improvements—ultimately providing more choices for drivers in Hampton Roads.
“Closures and detours will continue periodically this summer and fall to accommodate additional overhead sign installations. Public notifications will be provided in advance of any additional scheduled full closures.” — Virginia Department of Transportation
“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.” — Virginia Department of Transportation
“Before hitting the road, consider using VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools…to check for the most up-to-date road and travel conditions.” — Virginia Department of Transportation
“This work is part of the HREL Hampton Segment that includes converting the three existing east- and westbound general purpose lanes on I-64 into one Express Lane…and two general purpose lanes in each direction.” — Virginia Department of Transportation
“The HREL Hampton Segment will ultimately become a part of an overall continuous…Express Lanes network on I-64…” — Virginia Department of Transportation
For further updates about construction schedules or changes due to weather or other factors affecting progress throughout summer or fall periods—as well as detailed information about express lane operations—visit the official project website.
