Old Dominion News

Starting March 25, motorists traveling on I-64 in Hampton will experience a new traffic pattern due to ongoing construction of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Hampton Segment. The changes will affect the stretch between the Hampton River bridge and the Mallory Street overpass.

The long-term traffic shift involves moving vehicles toward the median from outside lanes to inside lanes on I-64 west starting overnight on March 25, and on I-64 east starting as early as March 27. This adjustment allows for continued roadway work, drainage improvements, barrier setting, and noise barrier construction. The new configuration is expected to remain until late 2025.

Traffic shifts are planned to occur over several nights beginning March 23, weather permitting. Overnight ramp closures are scheduled from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., affecting:

- Mallory Street to I-64 west

- I-64 west to Woodland Road/Hampton University (exit 267)

- Settlers Landing Road/Woodland Road to I-64 west

- I-64 east to Settlers Landing/Hampton University (exit 267)

- Settlers Landing Road/Woodland Road to I-64 east

Motorists are advised to use I-664 as an alternate route when possible and exercise caution near work zones by obeying speed limits, following lane markings and barrier guides, being alert to digital message signs, and driving distraction-free.

VDOT encourages drivers to utilize its free tools such as the VDOT's free 511 Virginia traffic tools or the Waze GPS app integrated with 511 for real-time road conditions. Information about construction, traffic incidents, congestion, traffic cameras, weather impacts can be accessed via VDOT’s website and mobile app.

The HREL Hampton Segment project includes converting three existing general-purpose lanes into one Express Lane, one part-time Express Lane, and two general-purpose lanes in each direction on I-64. The project also involves widening and repaving existing lanes while adding a new travel lane from west of Mallory Street (exit 268) to LaSalle Avenue (exit 265A), covering a total of two miles. Work includes six mainline bridges and one pedestrian underpass; two eastbound bridges over the Hampton River will be replaced while the westbound bridge will be widened and rehabilitated.