Contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are set to begin long-term single-lane closures and traffic shifts on I-64 in Newport News during the week of May 19. The work is part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment project, which aims to facilitate bridge rehabilitation.
Starting overnight as early as May 19, one inside lane will close on I-64 west at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (exit 258), reducing travel lanes from four to three and shifting traffic toward the outside of the roadway. This requires a full overnight closure of the I-64 west on-ramp from J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, beginning as early as May 19, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting.
A similar lane closure and traffic shift was implemented earlier in May on I-64 east at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. The closure of one inside lane on I-64 east near Hampton Roads Center Parkway is scheduled to start overnight as early as May 21, also reducing travel lanes from four to three.
The initial phase involves long-term single-lane closures and traffic shifts at both J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (exit 258) overpass and near Hampton Roads Center Parkway (exit 261). These closures are expected to last through summer 2025, followed by additional phases.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution near work zones, adhere to speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, remain alert to digital message signs, and avoid distractions while driving.
VDOT encourages drivers to use its free 511 Virginia traffic tools or the Waze GPS app for current road conditions before traveling. The VDOT website and mobile app provide information about construction, traffic incidents, congestion, and more.
The HREL Newport News Segment spans approximately 11.5 miles on I-64 from just east of LaSalle Avenue in Hampton to west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. For most of this segment, existing HOV lanes will be converted into Express Lanes alongside general-purpose lanes. In addition, one general-purpose lane will be converted into an Express Lane between I-664 and LaSalle Avenue.
Ultimately, the HREL Newport News Segment will form part of a continuous 45-mile high-occupancy toll Express Lanes network on I-64 from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. This approach aims to manage congestion effectively while providing more travel options for motorists in Hampton Roads.
For further details about the Hampton Roads Express Lanes projects or updates on construction impacts, visit 64expresslanes.org.
