South Tidewater News

Starting this week, motorists traveling along I-64 east in Norfolk will encounter new traffic patterns as part of the Hampton Road Express Lanes (HREL) Norfolk Segment project. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced that starting as early as Jan. 29, I-64 east traffic in this corridor will shift to the left toward the inside median. The same shift will occur for I-64 west traffic between Tidewater Drive and Little Creek Road, starting as early as Tuesday, Feb. 6.

In order to prepare for these traffic pattern changes, temporary overnight ramp closures are scheduled to occur along I-64 in this corridor. These closures will take place until as early as early 2025. The temporary closures include the following:

- I-64 east on-ramp from Granby Street from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

- I-64 east off-ramp to I-564 west/Granby Street (exit 276A) from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from as early as 7 p.m. to as late as 8 a.m.

- I-64 east on-ramp from Tidewater Drive south from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

- I-64 east off-ramp to Tidewater Drive north (exit 277B) from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from as early as 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

- I-64 east on-ramp from Tidewater Drive north from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

- I-64 east on-ramp from Little Creek Road (brief, intermittent stoppages) from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 11:59 p.m. to 4 a.m.

- I-564 east ramp to I-64 east from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

VDOT has assured that signed detour routes will be in place to direct motorists, and any additional ramp closures will be announced as scheduled. However, it is important to note that the construction work is weather- and schedule-dependent, so the closure schedule is subject to change.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling near work zones and to obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs, and drive distraction-free.

The HREL Norfolk Segment is part of the larger HREL network, which aims to provide a continuous, 45-mile network of Express Lanes in each traffic direction on I-64. The network spans from east of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-64/I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill Interchange in Chesapeake. The implementation of the HREL network is expected to alleviate congestion and provide motorists with more travel options.

To stay updated on construction progress, traffic impacts, and project updates, motorists can visit the project site at https://64expresslanes.org/under_construction/norfolk.asp.

Before embarking on their journeys, motorists are encouraged to check the latest traffic conditions by using VDOT's free 511 mobile app, which provides information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction, congestion, and access to traffic cameras and weather updates. Information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

In summary, the Virginia Department of Transportation has announced the implementation of new traffic patterns on I-64 east and west in Norfolk as part of the Hampton Road Express Lanes Norfolk Segment project. Temporary ramp closures are scheduled to occur, and motorists are urged to use caution and follow detour routes. The project aims to alleviate congestion and provide more travel options for motorists in the region.