Express Lanes to Open in Newport News, Hampton

VDOT says the Peninsula express lanes could open as early as December 2026, with the remaining eastbound Hampton section following later.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Construction

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a bare steel overhead gantry spanning empty highway lanes above a river channel, in navy and cream. — The Virginia Department of Transportation says Express Lanes on Interstate 64 in Newport News and Hampton could open as early as December 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Virginia Department of Transportation announced updates to the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network, with Express Lanes expected to open in Newport News and Hampton as early as December 2026. The initial opening includes portions of the Newport News and Hampton segments of Interstate 64.

Why it matters

The project converts existing high-occupancy vehicle lanes and one general purpose lane into tolled Express Lanes, changing how drivers travel this corridor on the Peninsula. Testing of tolling gantries and digital message signs indicates the system is nearing operation.

The Newport News segment covers about 11.5 miles of I-64, with 10.5 miles converting the existing HOV lane in each direction into an Express Lane and the final 1 mile converting one general purpose lane. The project includes two bridge replacements and six bridge rehabilitations, while the remaining eastbound Hampton section has no opening date yet.

The players

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

The state agency responsible for planning, building, and maintaining Virginia's highway system, including the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network.

The details

Crews have completed construction of the new eastbound Hampton River bridge and the bridges over the Hampton River branch, along with final surface paving and permanent markings on I-64 from North Armistead Avenue to Settlers Landing Road. Testing of tolling infrastructure and new overhead digital message signage is underway, while rehabilitation work continues on the westbound Willoughby Bay Bridge in Norfolk.

Spring 2024: Construction of the Newport News segment began.
December 2026: Express Lanes are expected to open in Newport News and Hampton as early as this month.
Spring 2027: Contract completion for the Newport News segment is scheduled.

Market Landscape

The Peninsula opening extends the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network, the regional tolling program VDOT administers on I-64. Converting existing HOV lanes into tolled lanes follows the approach VDOT has used across the network to add managed capacity without widening the roadway.

Drivers on the Peninsula stretch of I-64 will face tolls on the new Express Lanes once they open, converting existing carpool space into a paid option. The change affects commuters who use this corridor daily and will determine whether the Express Lanes are a practical alternative to the general purpose lanes.

The takeaway

Peninsula commuters should watch for the December 2026 opening date and plan for tolls on the new lanes. Confirming the schedule before adjusting commuting habits will help avoid surprises.

What happens next

Express Lanes in Newport News and Hampton are expected to open as early as December 2026, and the Newport News segment contract is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.