The 64 Express Lanes is a network of Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) segments where existing HOV-2+ lanes are being converted, and new Express Lanes are being constructed on I-64 in both directions for approximately 44 miles, from the Jefferson Avenue interchange (exit 255) in Newport News to the I-64, I-264 and I-664 Bowers Hill interchange (exit 299) in Chesapeake.
The HREL network is divided into four segments and currently scheduled to be delivered in two phases. Phase one includes the current construction of the HREL Chesapeake segment and the addition of the Express Lanes in the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) as part of the HRBT Expansion Project. Phase two includes the Hampton, Newport News and Norfolk segments which are currently in design. Each segment is operationally independent, with its own schedule, plans, contract—and budget.
Construction projects within the HREL network footprint include the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project in Hampton and Norfolk, as well as the I-64 Southside Widening & High Rise Bridge Expansion Project in Chesapeake.
Road widening and bridge construction and rehabilitation will occur in some areas. Flexible delineators, pavement markings, overhead toll gantries, dynamic message boards, signage, guardrail, and barriers will be installed during construction.
The Express Lanes in Chesapeake are estimated to be complete as early as 2023.
Currently in Norfolk, the I-64 Express Lanes Reversible Roadway is open with toll-collection Monday through Friday, 5-9 a.m. westbound and 2-6 p.m. eastbound. At all other times, there are no occupancy requirements or charge to use the lanes.
The Express Lanes in Chesapeake will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week once they are complete.
Before you enter the Hampton Roads Express Lanes, electronic signs display the amount of the variable toll. As you enter, the price you see on the sign is the amount you will be charged. That amount won’t change, even if the amount of the toll changes while you are in the lanes. You can also download the free 64 Express Lanes mobile app for iOs and Android to help estimate the cost of your trip.
The 64 Express Lanes are designed to help make better use of the highway capacity that we already have and will provide choices for those who want a more reliable travel time, while relieving congestion in the free general purpose lanes.
During operating hours, solo drivers can use their E-ZPass. High-occupancy vehicles (2+ riders) have the option of using the E-ZPass Flex to travel toll-free in the Express Lanes. (E-ZPass Flex features a switch for HOV-2+ declaration and is available at the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in Portsmouth and Norfolk, DMVs, and online by visiting www.EZPassVA.com.)
During operating hours, identify that there are two or more occupants in the vehicle by setting the E-ZPass Flex to “HOV ON.” There will be no charge to use the Express Lanes when they are not in operation. (E-ZPass Flex features a switch for HOV-2+ declaration and is available at the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in Portsmouth and Norfolk, DMVs, and online by visiting www.EZPassVA.com.)
Yes. If you have two or more occupants in your vehicle (HOV-2+) and an E-Zpass Flex transponder, you can travel toll-free in the Express Lanes during operating hours. There will be no charge or HOV requirements to use the Express Lanes outside of operating hours. (E-ZPass Flex features a switch for HOV-2+ declaration and is available at the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in Portsmouth and Norfolk, DMVs, and online by visiting www.EZPassVA.com.)
No. Motorcycles ride for free during operating hours. There will be no charge or HOV requirements to use the Express Lanes at other times.
VDOT will collect and retain the revenue earned from the Express Lanes. It will be used for continued improvements of the I-64 corridor, ensuring a smoother commute for years to come.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is in charging revenue.
If I have an E-ZPass, how can I trade it for an E-ZPass Flex? Will it cost me anything to make the trade?
There is no cost associated with exchanging your E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex. You may visit an E-ZPass Customer Service Center in Norfolk or Portsmouth to begin this process, call 1-877-762-7824 toll-free or visit www.EZPassVA.com. NOTE: Do not attempt to exchange your E-ZPass device for an E-ZPass Flex at an E-ZPass On-the-Go retailer. The retailer will not be able to facilitate the exchange.
Start by visiting www.EZPassVA.com. From there, you can find a link to E-ZPass Customer Service Center locations in Norfolk and Portsmouth. You can also find a link to our convenient E-ZPass On-the-Go retailers that sell E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex devices.
You may also contact E-ZPass Customer Service by mail or phone:
P.O. Box 1234
Clifton Forge, VA 24422-1234
Phone: 1-877-762-7824
During operating hours, your Clean Special Fuel license plate will no longer provide you with an exemption from the HOV-2+ requirement on the aforementioned corridor of I-64. During operating hours, only buses, motorcycles and vehicles carrying two or more people will be able to use the Hampton Roads Express Lanes without paying a toll. Drivers traveling alone – even those with Clean Special Fuel license plates – will need to pay a variable toll to access the Hampton Roads Express Lanes during operating hours. You may continue to utilize the HOV exemption your Clean Special Fuel plate provides on certain HOV corridors that are not operating as Express Lanes.
When the Hampton Roads Express Lanes become operational, you will either need an E-ZPass or an E-ZPass Flex to access the lanes during operating hours and pay the variable toll. A regular E-ZPass can be used to pay your toll. An E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode allows vehicles with two or more occupants to travel on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes toll-free.
We understand you may have registered your vehicle with a Clean Special Fuel plate for the primary purpose of driving on the HOV lanes. Since they will no longer provide HOV exemptions in these corridors, we also understand that you may wish to exchange your Clean Special Fuel plates for standard plates. If you choose not to retain your Clean Special Fuel plates for the $25 annual fee, you may wait until it's time to renew and exchange your plates or exchange them early. If you have any questions regarding the exchange of your license plates, please contact the DMV by calling 804-367-0492.
The driver will not pay the toll; however, the driver will be subject to a citation for HOV violation issued by the Virginia State Police. A citation results in court action along with a potential fine. Accumulating HOV violations can result in points against a driver's license.
If paid via Missed-a-Toll within five days, the total owed is the amount of the toll + $1.50 toll violation. Between six and 36 days; a violation notice is generated, and it is the amount of the toll + $12.50 (for each transaction). Between 37 and 66 days; a second violation notice is generated, and it is the amount of the toll + $25.00 (each transaction) Between 67 and 120+ days; violation moves to collection and it is the amount of the toll + $35.00 (each transaction) A toll violation that is unsuccessful in the collections process moves to court which is the amount of the Toll + $35.00 + civil penalties.
At the time of entry, the switch must be in the correct position in order for drivers to be recognized as HOV-2+. A correction will not be issued.
If the vehicle's license plate is on the E-ZPass account, the toll will be applied to the account (called a VToll). There is a limit of how often this can occur before a $1.00 administrative fee begins to apply for each VToll. If the vehicle's license plate is not on the E-ZPass account, a violation transaction will be created. That will include a $12.50 administrative fee on the notice. IMPORTANT: Make sure your vehicle's license plate is on your E-ZPass account.
I have an E-ZPass bumper-mounted transponder but it is not a FLEX. How can I use it to travel toll-free if I am traveling with a passenger (HOV 2+)?
To travel toll-free when traveling as HOV 2+ with a bumper-mounted transponder, you must fill out the form to nominate your upcoming trip as HOV travel. You should complete the form at least 24 hours (Saturday and Sunday not included) before your trip and as far as one week in advance. Provide your transponder number and license plate number. We will register the upcoming trip as toll-free HOV to prevent a toll from being charged to your E-ZPass account. You can register periods of up to maximum of ten days for toll-free travel. HOV 2+ plus conditions must be met for all nominated trips to avoid citation and penalties.
To prevent from the inconvenience of contacting us to make the nomination, we strongly suggest to obtain E-ZPass Flex. Most vehicles now have the cut out to mount the transponder inside the car. Please contact the dealership or refer to your vehicle owner's manual to get accurate transponder placement location.
