VDOT gives Newport News update on I-64 express lanes, HRBT expansion, Denbigh interchange and James River Bridge repairs

VDOT District Engineer Chris Hall briefed the Newport News City Council on Feb. 11 about construction milestones and near-term traffic impacts for several regional projects, including the I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion, the Denbigh Boulevard interchange improvements and a weekend closure to replace grid deck panels on the James River Bridge.

The update covered schedules, temporary traffic patterns and how project revenues will be used. "Number one, there's always a free option. Number two, the express lanes are really designed to provide a reliable trip," Hall said, adding that proceeds beyond operations and maintenance “are reinvested right back into our region.” He described the express lanes as a managed, high-occupancy toll facility that will remain free for high-occupancy vehicles and motorcycles and use dynamic tolling for single-occupant vehicles.

Hall said the Newport News segment (referred to in the presentation as segments 4a/4b) runs roughly from the Denbigh interchange toward the LaSalle interchange, is under construction, and…