How will construction affect traffic in the I-64/High Rise Bridge corridor?
Impacts to traffic are unavoidable with such a large project. However, it is the goal of VDOT and its design-builder GPC to minimize disruptions as much as possible.
During construction, all existing lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction during the vast majority of operations. Occasional short-term lane closures will be necessary. Construction operations that require longer-duration single-lane closures will be limited to night operations. All lane closures will be announced in advance on electronic overhead signs and on the Traffic Alerts page.
Please note that crashes, emergency maintenance work and other unforeseen incidents may result in lane closures, stoppages and temporary detours, as is the case with interstate travel in general.
Speed limits have been reduced to 55 mph in work zones along I-64. Several measures will be taken to mitigate congestion around the work zones, including the use of a full-time incident management coordinator, pull-off areas no more than 1 mile apart and temporary acceleration and deceleration lanes to and from the work zones for construction equipment.
What is the timeline for construction?
Construction began in summer 2018 and is scheduled to conclude in Fall 2023.
What will happen to the existing High Rise Bridge?
The existing High Rise Bridge will remain in operation and will be converted to carry one-way traffic.
At the completion of the project, it will carry only I-64 east traffic (toward I-264/Bower's Hill), while the new bridge, which will be constructed immediately to the south, will carry I-64 west traffic (toward Virginia Beach).
Does the project include noise barriers/sound walls?
A detailed noise study was conducted as part of the awarded contract. The study determined the addition of noise barriers in certain areas adjacent to or near the project. To view the sound wall layout for this project, click here. For more information on the criteria for noise barriers and to read Virginia's noise abatement policy, please visit this VDOT web page.
Is the I-464/I-64 interchange part of this project?
The project does not include construction of any roadway improvements on the I-464/I-64 interchange.
To learn more future projects and long range transportation planning in Hampton Roads, visit the Virginia Department of Transportation, Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC), or the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO).
Where will the new lanes on I-64 be constructed?
The new lanes will be built mostly in the existing median of I-64. This will minimize right of way and environmental impacts, which in turn minimizes the cost of the project.
Will the project require the acquisition of any residential properties?
No homes will be taken as part of this project. The majority of the roadwork/widening will be in the existing interstate median.
Why is this project being built?
To increase capacity, improve safety along the corridor, reduce congestion and enhance a regional evacuation route.
Aside from adding an Express Lane, how else will this project help my commute?
The existing travel lanes will also receive an asphalt overlay during construction.
In addition, the new High Rise Bridge, which will be used exclusively for westbound I-64 traffic (toward Virginia Beach), will feature a fixed span because of its height, eliminating bridge lifts for motorists traveling in this direction.
Will the new Express Lanes be tolled?
The new Express Lanes will be tolled.
As part of the I-64 Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge Expansion Project, one Express Lane is being built in each direction from Bowers Hill to nearly one mile past I-464, and includes Express Lanes on the High Rise bridges.
Once the Express Lanes are operational, vehicles with two or more passengers equipped with an E-ZPass Flex Transponder switched to "HOV ON" can take the Express Lanes free of charge. Solo drivers may choose to use the Express Lanes by paying a variable toll with a properly funded E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex Transponder.
While this project will add one Express Lane in each direction, two free, general purpose lanes will remain in each direction upon completion of the project. For more information about the Hampton Roads Express Lane Network, please visit https://www.64expresslanes.org/ .
