VDOT Closes I-664 Northbound for Pothole Repair
All northbound lanes of Interstate 664 in Suffolk were shut Wednesday morning so crews could fix a pothole inside the Monitor-Merrimac tunnel.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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Virginia Department of Transportation closed all northbound lanes of Interstate 664 at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday for an emergency pothole repair inside the tunnel. Traffic backups reached approximately 1.3 miles.
Why it matters
Interstate 664 carries commuter traffic across the Hampton Roads region, so an unplanned northbound closure ripples into Suffolk and surrounding roads. Emergency repairs inside the tunnel also highlight the maintenance demands on aging crossing infrastructure.
Traffic backups reached roughly 1.3 miles after northbound lanes closed around 11:30 a.m. The source does not provide the pothole's dimensions or a projected reopening time.
The players
Virginia Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for building, maintaining and operating Virginia's highways, bridges and tunnels, including the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel.
The details
Transportation crews closed the northbound lanes so they could repair a pothole located inside the tunnel. State transportation personnel responded to the scene, and the repair is expected to be completed shortly.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around 11:30 a.m.: Northbound I-664 lanes closed for pothole repair.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around noon: VDOT spokesperson issued repair and detour details.
Seasonal Patterns
Emergency pothole repairs on Virginia's Hampton Roads crossings reflect the ongoing maintenance burden on tunnel and bridge infrastructure that VDOT must balance against routine traffic management. Closures of this kind are typically reported through the state's 511 live traffic system as they happen.
Commuters heading north on I-664 should expect delays and check conditions before departing. Drivers can use alternate routes if backups persist, and potholes on tunnel approaches are worth reporting to VDOT.
The takeaway
Drivers using the Monitor-Merrimac crossing should monitor real-time traffic reports before traveling, since tunnel repairs can close lanes with little notice. Building in extra travel time during peak commuting hours can reduce the impact of sudden closures.
Further reading
For more on keeping your vehicle ready for rough roads, see Car Maintenance coverage on Wisevoter.
More information
Check current closures and detours on the VDOT 511 live traffic updates and road conditions portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
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