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NORFOLK – Starting as early as Thursday, May 2 at 8 p.m., contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are scheduled to implement a long-term, full-closure of the on-ramp from Tidewater Drive south to I-64 east to facilitate essential roadway and bridge widening as part of construction for the first phase of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Norfolk Segment.
During the on-ramp closure estimated to be in place through early 2026, a new left turn will be in place at Thole Street to access I-64 east. Signed detour routes will be in place to direct motorists. This construction work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change.
Additional traffic impacts previously implemented for this project remain in place, including:
- Traffic shifted toward the inside median on I-64 east and west between Tidewater Drive and Little Creek Road (exit 276), estimated to be in place until approximately mid-2025
- A continuous, single-lane closure on the I-64 west on-ramp to I-564 west, estimated to be in place through early 2025
- A shortened merge area at the northbound Tidewater Drive on-ramp to I-64 west, estimated to be in place through mid-2025
Northbound traffic on Tidewater Drive not intending to access I-64 may continue northbound and use the left-turn lane to take the on-ramp to I-64 west.
Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs and drive distraction-free.
Before hitting the road, consider using VDOT's free 511 Virginia traffic tools, or the free 511-integrated Waze GPS app, to check for the most up-to-date road and travel conditions. VDOT’s 511Virginia.org website and mobile app offer information about construction, traffic, incidents, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather-related impacts and more.
For more information on the Norfolk Express Lanes projects and to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts and to sign-up to receive project updates, visit: https://www.64expresslanes.org/under_construction/norfolk.asp.
This work is part of the first phase of HREL Norfolk Segment construction projects, that includes the widening and rehabilitation of eight existing bridges on I-64 and the conversion of the existing inside shoulder along I-64 into a high-occupancy tolled part-time shoulder Express Lane running alongside the three existing general purpose lanes between Patrol Road and Tidewater Drive for a total of 2 miles.
The HREL Norfolk Segment will ultimately become a part of an overall 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. 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.
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