Motorists traveling eastbound on I-64 in Newport News will see a new traffic pattern near J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (exit 258) starting as early as the night of October 22, depending on weather and scheduling. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is shifting traffic to the inside lanes over the bridge, marking the third and final phase of bridge rehabilitation in this area as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment project.
The change will reduce travel lanes from four to three through most of this section. The shift will also bring an end to the current “traffic split” at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. To facilitate this transition, the I-64 east on-ramp from southbound J. Clyde Morris Boulevard will be temporarily closed overnight, beginning as early as October 22 from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., with detours posted.
VDOT estimates that this new traffic configuration will remain in place through late 2025. Earlier in October, I-64 westbound traffic was shifted to a similar setup near J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. This marks the last stage in a series of long-term single-lane closures and traffic shifts for both directions near this exit.
All work is dependent on weather and scheduling, so changes may occur.
“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 stated.
Drivers are encouraged to use VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools or the Waze GPS app with integrated 511 information before traveling for real-time updates on road conditions and incidents. The 511Virginia website and mobile app provide information about construction projects, congestion, traffic cameras, and weather impacts.
This construction is part of the HREL Newport News Segment Project that covers approximately 11.5 miles along I-64, from just east of LaSalle Avenue in Hampton to about one mile west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. Within most of this segment—roughly 10.5 miles—the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction will become an Express Lane alongside three general purpose lanes. In the remaining mile between I-664 and LaSalle Avenue, one general purpose lane will be converted into an Express Lane in each direction alongside two general purpose lanes.
The HREL Newport News Segment is planned as part of a continuous 45-mile high-occupancy toll Express Lanes network along I-64 stretching from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. As regional traffic increases, these Express Lanes—using dynamic tolling—are expected to help manage congestion and offer more reliable travel options for drivers.
For additional details or to view an interactive map showing current long-term lane and ramp closures along all HREL projects, visit VDOT’s Long-Term Traffic Impacts page.
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