HAMPTON, Va. - The Commonwealth Transportation Board has formally approved a plan that calls for the expansion of the existing I-64/Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
The expansion will include a new bridge-tunnel at the existing HRBT.
In October, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization announced the recommendation of the plan known as 'Alternative A.' This option would turn I-64 into a six-lane highway from I-664 in Hampton to the I-564 Interchange in Norfolk. A parallel bridge tunnel would also be constructed west of the current HRBT. The entire plan is estimated to cost $3.3 billion and expected to be completed and fully operational in 2024.
"While six lanes through the HRBT won't meet all of our needs it'll improve movement. And combined with the other projects, we think we're starting to see a group of projects start to address the real congestion hot points in our region," said Bob Crum, the executive director of HRTPO.
The Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission said since Alternative A costs the least, it opens new doors.
"It allows us the opportunity to continue to construct and deliver projects throughout the region," said Kevin Page, the executive director of HRTAC. Those projects include:
- I-64 Peninsula - Segments 1, 2, and 3 (Completed 2018-2022)
- I-64/I-264 Interchange - Phases I & II (Completed 2019-2021)
- I-64 Southside/High-Rise Bridge - Phase I (Completed 2020)
- US 460/58/13 Connector - PE (Completed 2019)
- I-64 Southside/High-Rise Bridge - Phase II (Completed 2031)
- Bowers Hill Interchange (Completed 2031)
- US 460/58/13 Connector (Completed 2035)
- I-64 Fort Eustis Blvd Interchange (Completed 2035)
The funding for Alternative A is already in place. In one year, a regional gas tax and sales and use tax have raised $1.5 billion. Taxes will stay the same.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Transportation planning group recommends $3.3 billion I-64 expansion - cheapest of four options
City of Norfolk pushing for bigger more expensive option to reduce traffic on HRBT
VDOT asks for public feedback on alternatives to improve I-64 and HRBT traffic issues
