CHESAPEAKE, Va. — More than 86,000 drivers go over the I-64 High Rise Bridge in Chesapeake every day.
VDOT leaders say that's just too many cars trying to share one crossing, but change is coming.
“This is one of the largest projects ever built in Hampton Roads," explained VDOT Project Director Mike Prezioso.
Prezioso said the big project is the I-64 Southside Widening High Rise Bridge Expansion Project.
13News Now got an exclusive look at how the work is coming.
"We are widening the interstate from four to six lanes so each direction will have three lanes," he said. "The third lane is being built in the median of the existing interstate, and it will be an express lane.”
One key feature of the project is a brand new High Rise Bridge.
"The new bridge is being built almost 35 feet taller than the existing High Rise Bridge," Prezioso explained.
He said the bridge will sit parallel to the old bridge and will help with traffic flow for the tens of thousands of drivers.
“It's going to be a 100-foot tall fixed-span bridge, so there won't be any bridge openings with the new High Rise Bridge," he said.
The project started in 2018. It's anticipated to finish at the end of 2022.
“Widening this corridor will enhance the thru-put through this area for a safer evacuation route if we do have a major hurricane, and provide a more predictable commute each and every day," he said.
VDOT officials want to remind drivers to slow down while crews are working.
The reduced speed limit in the construction area on I-64 is 55 miles per hour.
For more information on the project, click here.