Chesapeake I-64 lanes now open
Drivers can test express segments before tolling begins
All express lanes on Interstate 64 in Chesapeake are open, according to an announcement from the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Drivers can test drive the full segment of express lanes from Bowers Hill to the I-264 interchange in Norfolk toll-free before mid-March, when high-occupancy tolling will begin.
“All toll revenue stays local, with our very own Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission ensuring it’s going right back into continued Hampton Roads interstate improvements and ongoing maintenance and operations system costs,” the announcement reads.
The segment is part of the I-64 Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge Project, from the Bowers Hill interchange to Battlefield Boulevard. VDOT said the interstate has been widened to add one express lane alongside the two general purpose lanes in each direction.
For now, VDOT is advising drivers to stay within the express lanes until they reach the designated entrance and exit points. When warmer weather arrives, crews will attach white posts to the lanes to help guide drivers.
New digital message signs, speed limit signs and double white lines on the pavement will be added throughout the spring.
The express lane segment, about 14 miles long, previously was used as HOV lanes.
Once testing is completed, the Chesapeake express lanes will begin tolling 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Single drivers must have a standard E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the lanes, and E-ZPass Flex drivers may use the lanes for free when using “HOVON” mode.
Tolls are dynamically priced based on current traffic conditions and adjust roughly every 5 minutes. According to VDOT, this will “manage congestion and improve travel time reliability” in both directions.