Starting on May 5, motorists traveling westbound on I-64 in Hampton will experience a new traffic pattern as part of the ongoing work on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Hampton Segment. This update comes with the reopening of the newly widened and rehabilitated westbound Hampton River bridge.
In this revised traffic arrangement, two westbound lanes on I-64 will be shifted from the eastbound bridge to the updated westbound bridge between Woodland Road (exit 267) and Armistead Avenue/LaSalle Avenue (exit 265B). Meanwhile, eastbound traffic will remain on the eastbound Hampton River bridge, with changes pushing lanes toward the median between Armistead Avenue (exit 265C) and Settlers Landing Road (exit 267).
As early as later this spring, two eastbound lanes will also leverage the reopened westbound bridge. This adjustment allows for the demolition and rebuilding of the eastbound bridge, a process expected to last until late 2026. At that point, the new eastbound bridge should open for traffic.
Preparation for the westbound traffic shift will occur over several nights starting May 4. These works will entail overnight ramp closures, specifically:
– The I-64 on-ramp from Settlers Landing Road/Woodland Road
– The I-64 east off-ramp to Settlers Landing Road/Hampton University (exit 267)
Motorists are encouraged to use I-664 as an alternate route, exercise caution in work zones, adhere to speed limits, follow lane directions, attend to digital signs, and avoid distractions while driving. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) advises travelers to use its 511 Virginia traffic tools or the 511-integrated Waze GPS app for current traffic conditions. Access to VDOT’s mobile resources will provide further information regarding construction, traffic, incidents, congestion, and other travel considerations.
The HREL Hampton Segment aims to adapt the existing gas pump on I-64 by converting them into one Express Lane and one part-time Express Lane, maintaining two general-purpose lanes per direction. This project includes widening I-64, repaving the lanes, and adding a 12-foot travel lane in both directions from Mallory Street (exit 268) to LaSalle Avenue (exit 265A). Additionally, it addresses work on six mainline bridges and a pedestrian underpass, including replacing two eastbound bridges over the Hampton River and updating the westbound bridge.
The HREL Hampton Segment will become part of a 45-mile continuous high-occupancy toll Express Lanes network on I-64, stretching from Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. These advancements aim to manage congestion effectively in the region, offering travelers more route options and a consistent travel network. Additional information is available on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes website at 64expresslanes.org.
