CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Driving on the interstate in Chesapeake could soon become a lot smoother.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has plans to improve the I-64/I-464 interchange. It’s a busy part of the highway that gets hectic during rush hour but a new project aims to change that.
Here’s the plan: crews will widen I-64 and add another two lanes at the onramp to I-464. They’ll also build a new flyover ramp heading south onto the Chesapeake Expressway, and re-configure the ramp to I-464 North. According to VDOT senior communications specialist Jordan-Ashley Walker, these improvements will eliminate the need for drivers to cross multiple lanes of traffic to exit.
“This particular area we’ve seen issues with traffic operations, congestion, backups, so this proposed project is designed to address some of those pinpoints,” Walker said. “That’s really what this project is all about, is improving connection, enhancing safety, and improving traffic operations throughout that interchange.”
Chesapeake residents say the project is long overdue.
“I’m so tired of traffic,” Saniyah Small said. “Every day we’re in traffic for some reason.”
Drivers in Chesapeake say traveling near the I-64/I-464 interchange can be hectic during rush hour.
"Man, all the time. They need to do something with that. Missing work... I done got fired!" Ricardo Spencer III said. “If you look at your maps it’s like yellow and red, like real jammed every day! It’s not a day that it’s not jammed and I’m tired of it. I’m tired of going the long way.”
Another driver, Jenesha Blount said: “I work in Newport News so I’m always late for work and it’s annoying.”
It’s a busy section of highway; drivers can take the Chesapeake Expressway leading to the Outer Banks, hop onto I-64 to get to Suffolk or up toward Hampton, or get on I-464 to Norfolk.
VDOT wants to hear from drivers about this proposal. There’s a public forum on the proposed change Tuesday, May 23 at 4 p.m. at Crestwood Intermediate School on Great Bridge Boulevard in Chesapeake.
You can also give your opinion by sending an email to Erin.foley@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference “I-64/I-464 Interchange Ramp Improvements Project” in the subject line.
Written comments may also be submitted by mail addressed to Erin Foley, P.E, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435.
The deadline to submit comments is June 2. Construction is set to start next year.