Norfolk Groundbreaking Launched Final Express Lanes Phase

Transportation officials have started work on a segment of I-64 designed to improve traffic flow in Norfolk.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Construction

Empty highway section under construction with orange traffic cones lining the shoulder and a concrete overpass in the background. — Transportation officials began the final construction phase of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes project on Friday, modifying I-64 in Norfolk to reduce congestion. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Transportation leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday to begin the final phase of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes project in Norfolk. This segment involves modifying I-64 between I-264 and Tidewater Drive to create part-time express lanes.

Why it matters

The project intends to provide reliable travel for commuters along I-64 while helping local businesses move goods and people more efficiently. It is also designed to improve regional access to essential jobs, schools, and health care services.

The project will maintain 3 existing general purpose lanes while converting inside shoulders into part-time express lanes. This construction phase marks the culmination of 10 years of project development.

The players

Hampton Roads Express Lanes

This is a regional highway project network spanning from Newport News to Chesapeake designed to mitigate traffic congestion.

The details

Crews will convert inside highway shoulders in both directions into express lanes to manage congestion. Drivers will be able to pay a toll for solo travel or use an EZ-Pass flex transponder to access the lanes for free when carrying multiple passengers.

Transportation leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday.
Construction crews will begin converting the shoulder this fall.
The Norfolk segment is slated for completion in late 2029.

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Market Landscape

This project represents a major infrastructure shift by integrating part-time managed lanes into the existing regional highway grid. It aligns with broader regional efforts to utilize toll-based express lanes to manage traffic flow between Newport News, Norfolk, and Chesapeake.

Commuters will gain the option to pay a toll for faster travel or use an EZ-Pass flex transponder to drive free with multiple passengers. These changes aim to reduce daily congestion and ensure more predictable commute times for Norfolk area residents.

The takeaway

The addition of part-time express lanes creates a new pricing model for drivers navigating the I-64 corridor. Travelers should prepare for potential construction-related traffic shifts in Norfolk as crews begin work this fall.