HAMPTON, Va. — A major traffic shift on I-64 East at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) happened overnight Thursday and Friday, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) said.
Traffic on both eastbound lanes has been permanently diverted to the right at Hampton's shoreline and onto a newly constructed eastbound trestle. The westbound lanes aren't affected.
According to a VDOT official, the first vehicle crossed onto the new trestle at 1 a.m. Friday.
VDOT previously said the shift could take place as soon as May 1, but crews were still doing normal project work on Wednesday, preparing for the opening of the new I-64 East trestle.
During the traffic shift, VDOT warned people to be patient, follow posted speed limits, and drive without distractions. The department noted that digital message signs will have important roadway messages.
The new eastbound trestle is the first permanent structure of the HRBT Expansion Project that drivers will be able to use. Banas calls this change a major milestone in the project.
According to VDOT, the shift will allow crews to demolish the existing eastbound trestle and continue work on the HRBT Expansion Project, which will widen the current I-64 corridor across the water with new twin tunnels. The project's expected completion is August 2027.
Recently, the project reached a breakthrough when a custom-built boring machine reached the HRBT's North Island after launching from the South Island in April 2023.
VDOT said construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unexpected circumstances. For the latest road conditions across Hampton Roads, visit 13News Now's Traffic page.