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VDOT moving forward with Peninsula I-64 widening project

Posted at 11:39 PM, Oct 10, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-10 23:39:13-04

For rush-hour drivers on the Peninsula along Interstate 64 consistent, bottlenecked, bumper-to-bumper traffic is reality. But soon, the drive could become much smoother.

VDOT says it is quickly moving forward with its plans to widen I-64 from four lanes to six from Newport News to Williamsburg.

The project would stretch from Jefferson Avenue up to Exit 242, just north of the Busch Gardens exit.

"The last major project in Hampton Roads was over 20 years ago, the Monitor Merrimac and it's time we did some significant work here," says Del. Michael Watson.

The state has allotted $100 million towards the widening, but the total cost is still up in the air.

"We know we're going to have regional funds that we can apply to it as well,” Watson says. “As we see how far along that gets us, we'll see what part of that money we can put into this project”

VDOT says it's still a ways away from moving dirt and pouring pavement. 2017 is the goal to start construction.

The building phase is expected to last about two years, which means drivers on the Peninsula could see a faster commute by the next decade.

"This is the first of what we hope will be a number of projects, but I think this is the one that will have the greatest impact on the entire Hampton Roads region," Watson says.