NORFOLK, Va. — Congestion on I-64 seems like part of the normal routine for some Hampton Roads drivers.
“It’s obviously a mess now with all the construction,” said Norfolk resident George Neskis.
“It’s painful to look at it before you get up there because you can see it backed up while you’re trying to get on,” said Kenneth Riddick, another Norfolk resident.
Riddick said heavy traffic could easily add 20 to 30 minutes to his ride.
“That’s a terrible hour to get here, hour to get back,” he said.
However, relief is on the way soon. VDOT crews are set to ramp up work on I-64 in Norfolk this weekend to make way for toll lanes. It's part of the $197.6 million design-build contract awarded to contractor Allan Myers. The project will convert the existing shoulder to a part-time express lane. The express lane will run alongside the three existing general-purpose lanes in each direction.
“This is the first Norfolk segment of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network," said VDOT spokesperson Nina Ullrich. "We’re going to see shoulder strengthening start in both directions."
This Sunday, crews are expected to start construction on I-64 in Norfolk from Tidewater Drive to Patrol Road with hopes to ease congestion on the roadway.
“As construction continues, we’ll see some overnight single lane closures and we’ll see some ramp closures,” Ullrich said.
Once completed, the part-time shoulder Express Lane will operate in the opposite direction of the Reversible Roadway Express Lanes. Although more construction doesn’t make these drivers smile, they’re looking forward to the end result.
“If that makes it any more quicker just by 20 minutes, I’m all for it,” Riddick said.
“It’s a necessary evil," Neskis said. "We’re going to have to deal with it. I think once they get it done, it’s going to be a great improvement on Hampton Roads.”
VDOT leaders hope to complete the project by early 2026. VDOT has more information on the project here.