On December 19, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will temporarily close the northbound LaSalle Avenue on-ramp to I-64 east in Hampton. The closure is expected to last about two hours starting at 10 a.m. and will allow contractor crews to repair potholes as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News segment project.
A detour will direct drivers to North Armistead Avenue and Settlers Landing Road for access to an I-64 east on-ramp. Access for businesses and residents along LaSalle Avenue will remain open, and all turning movements at nearby intersections will be maintained during this period. VDOT noted that the work schedule may change depending on weather or other factors.
“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.”
VDOT encourages travelers to check current road conditions before driving by using its free 511 Virginia traffic tools or the 511-integrated Waze GPS app. The 511Virginia website and mobile app provide information about construction, incidents, congestion, traffic cameras, and weather impacts.
The HREL Newport News Segment covers approximately 11.5 miles on I-64 from just east of LaSalle Avenue in Hampton to west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. Most of this segment involves converting existing high-occupancy vehicle lanes into express lanes alongside general purpose lanes. The final mile between I-664 and LaSalle Avenue converts one general purpose lane into an express lane in each direction.
The completed HREL Newport News Segment will form part of a continuous 45-mile high-occupancy toll express lanes network stretching from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. This project aims to help manage increasing regional traffic demand by offering more travel options through dynamic tolling.
VDOT is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating Virginia’s roads, bridges, and tunnels with a focus on safety and efficiency according to its official website. It manages one of the largest state highway systems in the country with tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia (source). The agency also provides services such as highway maintenance and traffic management through systems like Virginia 511 (source).
Founded originally as the State Highway Commission in 1906 (source), VDOT oversees planning, construction, and maintenance for transportation infrastructure throughout Virginia (source). Its headquarters are located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond (source).