Interstate 64 Widening

Completed in December 2021, the Interstate 64 Widening Project in York and James City counties and Newport News has increased vehicle capacity, resulting in immediate congestion relief along one of the previously most heavily traveled and congested highway corridors on the Virginia Peninsula. 

Divided into three segments, improvements included widening this section of I-64 from a four-lane section to six-lanes for approximately 21 miles, starting west of Jefferson Avenue (Exit 255) in Newport News to just west of Newman Road (Exit 234) in York County.

The Virginia Department of Transportation determined that the use of design-build contracting for this project would expedite delivery and ensure timely authorization of funding. 

The design-builder was able to perform final design, right of way acquisition and utility relocation and some construction activities concurrently.

This project contributed to the Preferred Alternative and contributes to the Purpose and Need elements outlined in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

Enabled by funding from:

Frequently Asked Questions

How will traffic be affected during construction? Will construction take place at night?

To minimize inconvenience to motorists, no daytime lane closures are planned at this time. 

Lane closures and construction information will be announced weekly throughout the duration of the project. 

Two lanes in each direction will be maintained throughout construction during the day, with temporary lane closures at night as needed.  

The design-builder will develop detailed plans for maintenance of traffic, which may include shifting traffic towards the existing outside shoulder during construction.  

Emergency pull-off areas for disabled vehicles will be provided as required.

Will there be trees left in the median? What type of landscaping will be used?

The trees in the median space will be addressed on a case-by-case basis to accommodate stormwater management and cut and fill slopes. The raised median with concrete barriers will utilize a context-sensitive design with low-maintenance shrubs or bushes.

Will the interchanges be upgraded? 

Modifications to the interchanges are not included as part of this project. However, interchange operations will benefit from the additional capacity of the new lanes on I-64 and the lengthening of the acceleration and deceleration ramps.

How will traffic be impacted on the side roads within the project corridor?

Long-term lane closures will be required on Penniman Road (Route 641), Jefferson Avenue (Route. 143) and Yorktown Road (Route 238). 

These closures are required for bridge pier construction to accommodate the proposed widened roadway section for I-64.

Will the interchange ramps be affected during construction?

Yes, there will be some impacts on the interchange ramps during construction to reconstruct the existing pavement.  

This may include some nighttime ramp closures. These will be publicized in advance.

When will construction begin and how long will the project take to complete?

• Segment I: Construction began in September 2015 and was completed in December 2017.
• Segment II Construction began in 2016 was completed in fall 2019.
• Segment III: Construction began in 2018 and was completed in December 2021.

Will the project include fixing the existing travel lanes? 

Yes, the existing pavement will be replaced.

Will construction of Segment II overlap with that of Segment I?

Yes, major construction activities within both projects will overlap by approximately one year.