Contractor crews working with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) plan to introduce a long-term traffic shift on I-64 west near LaSalle Avenue (exit 265A) as early as the night of Tuesday, February 24, weather and schedule permitting. Both westbound lanes will move to newly constructed outside lanes as construction continues on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Newport News Segment.
To carry out this shift, I-64 west between Armistead Avenue (exit 265) and the I-664/I-64 interchange (exit 264) will be reduced to one lane from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. During these hours, three ramps are scheduled for overnight closure: the off-ramp from I-64 west to LaSalle Avenue (exit 265A), the on-ramp from Armistead Avenue to I-64 west, and the off-ramp from I-64 west to I-664 (exit 264). Signed detours will guide drivers during these closures.
“A similar traffic shift was implemented on I-64 east at this location last week. All work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, the schedule is subject to change.”
Motorists are advised by VDOT to use caution in work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, pay attention to digital message signs, and drive without distractions.
Before traveling, drivers are encouraged by VDOT to check road conditions using free tools such as Virginia’s 511 system or the Waze GPS app integrated with it. The 511Virginia website and mobile app provide updates about construction projects, incidents, congestion levels, traffic cameras and weather impacts.
This project is part of an effort that spans roughly 11.5 miles on I-64—from just east of LaSalle Avenue in Hampton to just over a mile west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. For most of this segment—10.5 miles between Jefferson Avenue (exit 255) and I-664—existing HOV lanes in each direction will become Express Lanes alongside three general purpose lanes. For the final mile between I-664 and LaSalle Avenue, one general purpose lane in each direction will be converted into an Express Lane beside two remaining general purpose lanes.
The Hampton Roads Express Lanes Newport News Segment is planned as part of a larger continuous network covering approximately 45 miles along I-64 from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News through Chesapeake at the Bowers Hill interchange with I-264/I-664. According to VDOT officials: “As traffic demand continues to increase in the region, incorporating the Express Lanes dynamic tolling model, together with other interstate improvements, provides an additional approach to managing congestion in the long term and providing more travel choices and a reliable travel network for Hampton Roads motorists.” More information about this project can be found at 64expresslanes.org.
The Virginia Department of Transportation manages one of America’s largest state highway systems covering tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia (official website). The agency is responsible for planning, building and maintaining roads, bridges and tunnels throughout Virginia (official website). Its services include highway maintenance operations and providing real-time traffic management through systems like Virginia’s free 511 service (official website). Established originally as a State Highway Commission in 1906 before evolving into its current form (official website), VDOT headquarters are located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond (official website).
