STREET SMART
NAVIGATING THE AREA ISN’T AS HARD AS IT SEEMS WHEN YOU HAVE THESE HANDY TIPS
The Virginia Department of Transportation offers a smartphone app with updated information about traffic on the state’s interstates and highways. The free app is available through app stores or at www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.asp#app.
Hampton Roads Transit, which serves the region, regularly posts updates on its Facebook page, including alerts about route changes and delays. Both VDOT and HRT use Twitter: HRT is @gohrt_com and VDOT is @VaDOTHR. For up to the minute traffic information, follow @511hamptonroads.For additional “real-time” traffic information, visit VDOT’s va511.org web page. You can get information about the conditions of interstate and primary highways by call 511. VDOT posts traffic advisories on the radio at 1680 AM.
Share your traffic photos and videos with your neighbors in the region at community.dailypress.com.
Summer congestion Traffic delays are common during the summer on eastbound Interstate 64 at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. If you’re heading to Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks, use the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel instead and follow to I-64.
Interstate 64 widening
Prepare for nearly two more years of traffic barrels, alternating barrier walls and reduced speed limits on one of the most heavily traveled highways on the East Coast. The project, which launched in 2015, aims to increase vehicle capacity and relieve congestion for about 21 miles starting west of Jefferson Avenue (Exit 255) to west of Newman Road (Exit 234) in Newport News and York County, respectively.
Potholes and construction
The region has several construction and repair projects underway. During such work, work zones with unfamiliar traffic patterns pop up all over. Also be aware that speeding in a work zone can net a fine of up to $500. To report a pothole on a statemaintained road or any other problem on the roadway, call the VDOT Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (3677623) or submit a form online https://
my.vdot.virginia.gov/.
Mopeds and scooters
The state requires moped and motorized scooter owners to title and register their vehicles. Drivers can use those vehicles on city and county streets, as long as they travel at or under 35 mph and obey traffic laws. Mopeds are not allowed on interstates. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and carry a photo ID. Drivers and passengers both must wear a helmet. The driver must also have a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles, unless the moped has a windshield. For more information, visit dmv.state.va.us/ vehicles/#moped.html.
E-ZPass is easy
An E-ZPass transponder automatically deducts the toll from your prepaid account so you can zip through toll gates in Virginia and 15 additional states. The E-ZPass Flex transponder allows users traveling in the Express lanes to qualify for the HOV discount when they have the required number of passengers in the car. For more information or to sign up for an E-ZPass
account, go to ezpassva.com.
Times to avoid
Drivers who spend any time on the Peninsula quickly grasp the reality that the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is a major traffic choke point. The state now has electronic signs posting delays and estimated travel times, but you will get to your destination more quickly if you use other routes, such as the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel or the James River Bridge.
Take the bus or a ferry
Hampton Roads Transit is the region’s public bus, ferry and light-rail system. Paddle wheel ferries connect Norfolk and Portsmouth crossing the Elizabeth River. Light-rail operates in Norfolk. Buses run all over the region. For routes, fares and schedules, go to gohrt.com.
VDOT’s Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which carries passengers and vehicles, is free and runs 24 hours. For information and schedules, call 1-800-VA-Ferry or visit virginiadot.org/travel/ferry-jamestown.asp.