Norfolk Reopens Northbound Lanes on Tidewater Drive
Contractor crews have restored all northbound lanes on Tidewater Drive following bridge and road construction work.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Construction
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Contractor crews reopened all northbound travel lanes on Tidewater Drive near the I-64 overpass in Norfolk. The restoration follows a period of single-lane restrictions that began in November 2024.
Why it matters
The roadwork is part of the ongoing Hampton Roads Express Lanes project intended to manage regional traffic congestion. The initiative seeks to improve transit efficiency across the I-64 corridor.
Crews restored two northbound travel lanes as part of a broader two-mile project stretch near the interstate overpass. This segment eventually connects to a planned 45-mile express lanes network.
The details
The project involved essential road construction alongside bridge widening and rehabilitation on I-64 overpasses. This work is required to convert the inside shoulder of the highway into a new tolled express lane.
Timeline
Summer 2023: The Norfolk Segment 1A project construction began.
November 2024: Northbound Tidewater Drive lane restrictions started.
September 21, 2026: Southbound travel lanes on Tidewater Drive were reopened.
October 9, 2026: Northbound Tidewater Drive travel lanes were reopened.
Market Landscape
This project represents a broader regional shift toward managed toll lanes to mitigate persistent congestion in Hampton Roads. The infrastructure expansion aims to better position the local highway network against long-term population growth and increased vehicle volume.
Commuters in Norfolk will experience improved traffic flow as all lanes on Tidewater Drive are now available for use. However, drivers should remain aware that periodic temporary closures may continue near the overpass as work on the express lanes network proceeds.
The takeaway
Reliable road access on Tidewater Drive has been restored to assist with daily commutes in the Norfolk area. Residents should continue to monitor local traffic alerts for any future construction-related travel adjustments.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing infrastructure projects, visit the Construction section.
More information
For the latest updates on regional road conditions, consult the 511 Virginia traffic tools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
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