Virginia Awards $389 Million I-64 Express Lanes Contract to Lane Construction

NORFOLK, Va. – In a significant move to tackle chronic congestion in the Hampton Roads region, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has awarded a $389 million design-build contract to The Lane Construction Corporation for the modernization of Interstate 64. The project focuses on a critical seven-mile corridor and represents a key piece of Virginia's long-term strategy to improve traffic flow and reliability on one of its busiest coastal highways.

The core of the "I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes" project involves converting the existing three eastbound and westbound general-purpose lanes and shoulders. The redesign will create three permanent general-purpose lanes plus one part-time, high-occupancy express shoulder lane in each direction. This managed lane approach is designed to provide more predictable travel times during peak hours, a persistent challenge for the region's commuters and port-related traffic.

Beyond the lane conversions, the extensive scope includes the widening or rehabilitation of 19 bridges and the full replacement of two bridges along the route. VDOT officials have emphasized that design solutions will prioritize minimizing disruption to the over 100,000 daily travelers during construction, which is expected to begin soon with a target completion date of late 2029.

"This award reinforces Lane's leadership in delivering sustainable, resilient infrastructure in one of its key U.S. markets," a Lane Construction spokesperson stated. The firm, a U.S. subsidiary of the global Webuild Group, is no stranger to major Virginia projects. It is currently working on other segments of I-64 and holds a $61 million contract for the Minnieville Road Interchange. This latest win follows closely on the heels of Lane's recent $643 million contract for the Westshore Interchange project in Tampa, Florida.

The I-64 corridor is a vital economic artery for southeastern Virginia, connecting the Port of Virginia—one of the largest container ports on the U.S. East Coast—to major interstate networks. Chronic congestion has been cited as a drag on economic efficiency and quality of life. This project mirrors managed-lane strategies successfully implemented in other metropolitan areas, aiming to use dynamic pricing or occupancy requirements to keep traffic moving.

Local Voices: A Mixed Reaction

Michael Roberts, Norfolk Commuter: "Finally, some action on this nightmare stretch. My daily crawl from Norfolk to Virginia Beach steals hours from my week. If these express lanes can shave even 20 minutes off my trip, it's worth the investment. My only worry is the five years of construction hell we'll have to endure first."

Sarah Chen, Transportation Analyst at Old Dominion University: "This is a logical next step in the region's managed lanes network. The data from existing express lanes in Northern Virginia shows they can improve overall corridor reliability. The key will be in the operational details—how the pricing is structured and ensuring equitable access for all users."

David Miller, Local Business Owner & Civic Advocate: "Nearly $400 million for seven miles? This is a classic case of throwing money at symptoms, not the disease. We're just encouraging more single-occupancy vehicle travel instead of seriously investing in regional rail or robust bus rapid transit. It's a 20th-century solution for a 21st-century problem, and taxpayers will be funding the congestion again in another 20 years."

Angela Rodriguez, VDOT Project Manager: "Our goal is to build infrastructure that serves this community for decades. The bridge work is just as critical as the new lanes—it's about safety and longevity. We have a detailed traffic management plan to keep people moving during construction because we know this corridor can't just shut down."

This report is based on a project announcement from the Virginia Department of Transportation and The Lane Construction Corporation.