RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Mary Suman 342-4716 Mary.Suman@VDOT.virginia.gov

HRO-0543 July 21, 2005

New Entrance Ramp to I-64 Eastbound Opens to Traffic
Opening Should Help Ease Congestion on Mercury Boulevard

HAMPTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) opened a new, permanent entrance ramp from Mercury Boulevard southbound (toward the James River Bridge) onto I-64 eastbound late Wednesday night. The new entrance ramp is on the right side of the road so drivers no longer have to wait at a temporary light on Mercury Boulevard to turn left for I-64 eastbound.

The opening of the new ramp eliminates the need for one of the four temporary lights controlling traffic through the Mercury Boulevard interchange during construction.

VDOT and contractor E.V. Williams had set a goal of Thursday, July 21st to open the new ramp. Despite a recent heat wave that pushed the heat index well over 100 degrees during most days, E.V. Williams’ crews were able to complete the necessary work to open the ramp on schedule.

Crews will now focus on completing the work necessary to open another new permanent ramp from Mercury Boulevard northbound (away from the James River Bridge) onto I-64 eastbound. Weather permitting, that ramp should open next Tuesday morning, July 26.

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