NORFOLK — Are you ready to use the new Interstate 64 Express Lanes?
The Virginia Department of Transportation is making it easier to buy the equipment needed to use the new tolled route by opening an extra E-ZPass customer service center to help drivers.
The reversible Express Lanes opened at 5 a.m. on Wednesday. The redesigned High Occupancy Vehicle lanes are meant to alleviate some of Hampton Roads’ thickest traffic from I-564 to just before the I-264/I-64 interchange, according to VDOT.
Drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex transponder to access the new lanes during peak hours when they will be tolled. Peak times are in effect from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. westbound and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. eastbound, according to VDOT.
Wednesday’s starting toll rate was 50 cents for single drivers using their E-ZPass. Drivers who want to ride toll-free during peak hours must have at least one passenger, and have their E-ZPass Flex transponder switched to the “HOV on” setting.
Outside of peak hours drivers will not need an E-ZPass or meet HOV requirements to drive in the lanes.
The temporary new E-ZPass customer service center is in the Midtown Shopping Center, located at 124 East Little Creek Road in Norfolk. Employees at the location can sell E-ZPass transponders, exchange transponders for E-ZPass Flex devices and help customers with their accounts, according to VDOT.
The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. It will also be open on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
This story was published in partnership with our sister publication, Southside Daily.
