RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Mary J Suman . 757-342-4716 Tiffany.Elliott@VDOT.Virginia.gov Tiffany Elliott cell : 757-297-6956

HRO-5024 May 13, 2005

ADDITIONAL I-64 EASTBOUND LANE OPEN TO TRAFFIC

Addition expected to help ease congestion through Coliseum Central Project

HAMPTON – As part of the Coliseum Central Highway Improvement Project, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) opened a third lane of through traffic on I-64 eastbound from Hampton Roads Center Parkway to the I-664 split today. The interstate had been reduced to two lanes through much of the work zone as crews worked to construct additional lanes. VDOT was able to open the third lane through the work zone as soon as an additional lane across the bridge over Mercury Boulevard was completed.

Eastbound traffic entering the work zone from the west now has three continuous through lanes available across the Mercury Bridge. On the east side of the bridge, a fourth lane is available for traffic entering from Mercury Blvd. These four lanes continue through the project until the I-664 split. At the split, the right two lanes become dedicated exit lanes onto I-664 south; the left two lanes continue along I-64 east toward the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

This additional eastbound through lane eliminates several “bottleneck” points along I-64 traveling toward Virginia Beach and is expected to help reduce congestion as the busy summer tourist season gets underway.

For more information about the Coliseum Central Highway Improvement Project, please visit the project website at www.I64info.com .


(END)