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Traffic Alterations Coming to I-64 in Newport News

Upcoming traffic alterations on I-64 in Newport News due to construction.

News Summary

Significant traffic changes are expected on Interstate 64 in Newport News, with a prolonged single lane closure starting late July. The Virginia Department of Transportation will implement new traffic patterns to accommodate bridge rehabilitation work, reducing travel lanes from four to three in each direction. This construction is part of a multi-phase project aimed at enhancing regional traffic flow and connectivity, notably impacted by the relocation of local developments.

Newport News – A significant traffic alteration is slated for Interstate 64 (I-64) in Newport News, with a prolonged single lane closure anticipated to commence in late July. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has disclosed that this center-lane closure and modified traffic pattern is expected to begin as early as July 27 at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (exit 258).

As part of the changes, travel lanes on I-64 will decrease from four to three in both directions. Motorists will need to navigate around the construction zone using the two inside left lanes or the one outside right lane. The remaining three travel lanes will continue to serve through traffic on I-64, with the outermost right lane specifically designated for drivers needing access to exits 258A or 258B, which lead to J. Clyde Morris Blvd.

VDOT projects that the traffic split for I-64 eastbound will begin during the week of July 27, while the split for westbound traffic is anticipated in early August. These new traffic patterns are expected to remain in effect throughout the fall.

This lane closure is a segment of a comprehensive, multi-phase plan encompassing long-term closures and traffic shifts at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, aimed at facilitating bridge rehabilitation work as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Newport News project. This particular project section extends 11.5 miles, starting just east of LaSalle Avenue (exit 265) in Hampton and concluding 1.2 miles west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News.

As part of this project, the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in each direction—stretching nearly the entire length of the segment—will be transformed into express lanes. Additionally, three general-purpose lanes will be available, with specific modifications for the final mile of the project. The Newport News segment contributes to a more extensive 45-mile network of high-occupancy toll express lanes planned along I-64, stretching from Newport News to Chesapeake.

Related Traffic Issues

In related news, a vehicle fire occurred on I-64 westbound near Harpersville Road on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The incident involved a tractor-trailer that was destroyed; however, the driver escaped without harm, and the trailer remained intact. Additionally, no firefighters were injured during the response.

Simultaneously, a separate multi-vehicle crash is generating substantial delays on I-64 westbound, with the left lane and left shoulder closed near the same Harpersville Road location. Emergency personnel are currently responding to the scene, but information concerning the number of vehicles involved or any injuries has not been confirmed yet.

Planned Traffic Improvements

The ongoing construction and traffic alterations on I-64 are part of efforts to address traffic congestion in the area, notably prompted by the relocation of Costco. A new interchange project at Denbigh Boulevard aims to alleviate existing traffic woes. This Denbigh Boulevard Interchange Project is to be conducted in two phases, with the first phase projected for completion by mid-2029 at an estimated cost of $93 million. The second phase, slated to commence in mid-2030, will wrap up by mid-2034 with a projected budget of approximately $188.1 million. It is noteworthy that this project will not utilize funding from Newport News’ Capital Improvement Plan.

The Denbigh Boulevard project aims to enhance regional connectivity and respond to increased traffic stemming from various local developments.