Construction begins on HREL Newport News segment

Madie MacDonald
·1 min read

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Construction has started for the Newport News section of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) network.

Ground broken for historic $3.8 billion HRBT expansion project

The project stretches from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to east of LaSalle Avenue in Hampton, adding express lanes in either direction of I-64.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), from Bland Boulevard to the I-664 interchange, the existing HOV lanes will be converted into express lanes. Between the I-664 interchange and Armistead Avenue, one general purpose lane will be converted into an express lane.

<em>Courtesy: VDOT</em>
Courtesy: VDOT

The project will also consist of two bridge replacements on I-64 east and west over LaSalle Avenue, and six bridge rehabilitations on I-64 east and west over Armistead Avenue, over Billy Woods Canal and over J. Clyde Morris Boulevard.

Motorists can expect scheduled lane closures, long-term land reductions and traffic shifts with narrowed lanes during construction. Starting in the spring, temporary barriers will be put in place to prepare for the initial phase of traffic shifts. This is expected to be in place until 2025.

VDOT states the entire HREL Newport News segment should be completed by spring 2027.

Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion now 18 months behind schedule

More information on the HREL Newport News segment can be found here.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

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