CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews opened a new express lane on Interstate 64 between the Bowers Hill Interchange and Interstate 464 interchange in Chesapeake.
Chesapeake resident Paul Balgavy is a fence contractor who needs to get around Hampton Roads fast.
“I’m constantly pulling trailers behind my truck," he said. "So, I have to be at a job site relatively quick and easy. Sitting in traffic for 30 minutes is not doing any good.”
Balgavy takes I-64 just about every day and notices constant congestion, saying there it's “traffic all the time, backed up."
He hopes a new addition to the road will provide some relief.
“Any time I go that way, I will use it,” said Michael Samuel, a Chesapeake resident.
VDOT officials said whether drivers are riding alone or with passengers they’ll be able to test drive the new express lane for free over the next several weeks.
“We’ll just see how smooth and fast it is,” said Balgavy.
Right now, VDOT wants drivers to get familiar with multiple entrances and exit points along the lane. It’s part of VDOT’s Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge Expansion Project.
“It also includes the express lane that was converted from an HOV lane and that’s in the Greenbrier, Battlefield, and Indian River section," said Nina Ullrich, a spokesperson for VDOT Hampton Roads District. "Once all of that is completed and tolling starts, those express lanes will be 24/7.”
Drivers hope it will save them a bit more time on the road.
“At my age, time is worth more than money,” said Samuel.
Drivers can expect to pay the express lane toll as early as March 17.
While final tolling systems testing and installation of remaining white delineator posts and pavement markings are underway, VDOT warns motorists may encounter additional lane closures during the daytime and overnight hours as needed. These closures ensure the safety of our crews while still allowing the region’s motorists the benefit of earlier access to these new travel lanes as soon as possible outside of these closure periods.
Solo drivers are now provided the option to choose the free general-purpose lanes or pay a variable toll to use the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass transponder — an option not previously available to solo drivers under the former HOV-2 restrictions during peak travel periods. For vehicles with two or more passengers, the Express Lanes will remain free with a required E-ZPass Flex transponder switched to “HOV-On.”