RICHMOND — Gov. Glenn Youngkin broke ground Monday on the I-64 Gap Widening Project to expand the corridor from four to six lanes to alleviate congestion and bridge the remaining “gap” of unwidened interstate between Hampton Roads and Richmond.
“Transportation drives commerce, economic growth and connects Virginians across the Commonwealth,” said Youngkin. “Through continued investments in our local and regional communities, the I-64 Widening Project will help unlock the corridor to unify the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions and enhance job opportunities and economic prosperity. We’ve only just broken ground on the project and we’re already seeing companies make significant investments along the corridor.”
The $756 million project will expand the corridor from two lanes to three lanes, with 10-foot-wide paved shoulders in both directions. The Office of the Governor said that upon completion, the project will provide a seamless connection with the Port of Virginia and the rest of the state and nation. It will also improve travel and tourism and connect the defense community, it said, noting companies like Buc-ee’s and Auto Zone are already expanding along the corridor.
“The I-64 corridor serves as a key connector between Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, New Kent, Hampton Roads, and James City counties,” said Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller. “Connecting the Central Virginia and Hampton Roads regions is critical to growing Virginia’s economy, and safety is an important component as well. The I-64 Gap Project will improve traffic flow and operations, including strengthening our emergency evacuation routes and ensuring our communities have a lifeline to safety.”
The project has been divided into three sections of I-64, labeled Segments A, B, and C, with each being constructed as an operationally independent project. Shirley Contracting Company, LLC along with Dewberry Engineers, Inc. have been awarded the design-build contract for Segment A, which will be administered by VDOT’s Richmond District. Work for this segment will begin in mid-November, with an anticipated completion date for all three segments in spring 2028.
The portion of the project located in James City County, from mile marker 224.3 to mile marker 233.3, is Project Segment C, and will be the second to be constructed.
Plans for that segment include the addition of one travel lane on I-64 in each direction, from the New Kent-James City County line to approximately 1.2 miles west of exit 234 — Route 199/Lightfoot.
Additional Segment C improvements include are the widening and rehabilitation of the two bridges over Six Mount Zion Road and the paving of the Lightfoot Park & Ride lot in York County.
Segment C, estimated to cost $231.8 million, is expected to be awarded in the spring, with a projected completion date of late 2027.
“Adding a third lane in each direction of the I-64 Gap will provide a more efficient and safer connection between Richmond and Hampton Roads,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “VDOT is laser-focused on opening this corridor and delivering this and every project on-time and on-budget. Travelers will see work begin on Segment A in mid-November and procurement for Segment C is already underway.”
Read more about the I-64 Gap Segment A Widening Project here. Read more about Segment C here.
