Hampton, Virginia – Motorists traveling through Hampton on I-64 west should prepare for significant changes starting as early as Monday, May 5, as construction progresses on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Hampton Segment. The newly widened and rehabilitated westbound Hampton River bridge will officially reopen to traffic, marking an important milestone in the extensive project. This change will result in a new traffic pattern that will affect both westbound and eastbound drivers for the foreseeable future.
As part of the updated configuration, two westbound lanes on I-64 will be shifted from the existing eastbound Hampton River bridge to the newly reopened westbound bridge. This shift will take place between Woodland Road (exit 267) and Armistead Avenue/LaSalle Avenue (exit 265B). Meanwhile, eastbound I-64 traffic will remain on the eastbound bridge, but will shift toward the median between Armistead Avenue (exit 265C) and Settlers Landing Road (exit 267). This long-term traffic setup is essential to continue construction efforts safely and efficiently.
Eastbound Bridge Demolition to Follow Later in the Spring
This shift marks only the first step in a larger traffic plan that will continue through late 2026. As early as late spring 2025, two eastbound lanes on I-64 will also be shifted from the eastbound bridge to the newly reopened westbound bridge. This will place them alongside the westbound traffic to allow for the demolition and reconstruction of the eastbound Hampton River bridge. Once this portion of construction is complete and the new bridge opens, eastbound traffic will return to its designated lanes.
The traffic shifts are expected to remain in place until the end of construction. The new eastbound bridge is anticipated to reopen to regular traffic in late 2026, providing a modernized crossing for eastbound travelers.
Overnight Ramp Closures Scheduled as Work Begins
The implementation of the new westbound traffic pattern will begin with overnight work starting as early as Sunday, May 4. Drivers should be aware of overnight ramp closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., which may cause delays. Specific closures include:
- I-64 on-ramp from Settlers Landing Road/Woodland Road
- I-64 east off-ramp to Settlers Landing Road/Hampton University (exit 267)
Drivers are encouraged to use I-664 as an alternate route to avoid potential congestion during the overnight work periods. In addition, motorists are reminded to travel cautiously through the work zones. “Motorists are encouraged to use I-664 as an alternate route to avoid the work area when possible and are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs and drive distraction-free.”…