RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Erika Johnson Cell 757-925-2584 (757) 567-0108 erika.johnson@virginiadot.org

HRO-0343 Dec. 1, 2003

ORIGINAL DRAINAGE PROBLEM FIXED ALONG I-64
VDOT completes Coliseum Central Highway Improvement Project safety addition for traffic switch beginning tonight

HAMPTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has fixed the original drainage problem on the new 2.5-mile stretch of pavement on I-64 East, located between I-664 and Hampton Roads Center Parkway. Today, crews completed the installation of eight new drainage inlets along this project, which will allow water to properly drain off the highway and improve the safety of that corridor.

After it was discovered that water was not properly draining off the roadway, VDOT assembled a team from its district office in Northern Virginia along with representatives from the Branch Group, this summer, to develop an independent survey of the I-64 pavement issue. In August, Commissioner Philip Shucet reviewed their findings and presented a solution with a cost of $2.7 million dollars and a timeline of December 1, both of which have been met.

The original plan called for VDOT to switch I-64 eastbound traffic from the existing lanes onto the new ones in May 2003, to reconstruct the old lanes. Completion of the drainage installation will now allow the traffic switch to take place, which will begin at 9 p.m. tonight.

As part of the switch, traffic on I-64 East will shift onto the two newly constructed lanes beginning at Hampton Roads Center Parkway and continuing to the I-664 overpass. Traffic will then shift back onto the old I-64 eastbound lanes.

Tonight, the traffic pattern will be implemented in phases. Crews will do the following:
· Close the existing right eastbound lane starting at the Big Bethel overpass.
· Perform any temporary paving needed to transition traffic on and off the new pavement.
· Move concrete barriers for future work protection. This will take place around-the-clock until completed.
· Finish pavement markings at transition areas.

It is expected to take about three days to complete this traffic pattern switch. During this time, traffic may be stopped or detoured between midnight and 4 a.m. with the assistance of Virginia State Police. Message signs will be in place to direct motorists.

To allow enough room for merging, VDOT recently closed the eastbound HOV lane on this stretch of I-64. This closing is temporary and the HOV lane will reopen once the eastbound construction is complete.

This traffic pattern change will be in place for about one year and is part of the large-scale Coliseum Highway Improvement project that includes replacing every inch of pavement within the construction zone.

For more information about the Coliseum Central Highway Improvement Project, please visit the website at www.VirginiaDOT.org or www.VDOTColiseum.com