Transportation High Rise Bridge

This project widens nine miles of I-64 from four to six lanes, beginning ½ a mile east of the I-264 Interchange at Bowers Hill to one mile east of the I-464 Interchange, including one High Occupancy Toll (HOT)/Express Lane between Bowers Hill and Battlefield Boulevard in each direction to the existing two general-purpose toll-free lanes and adds exterior hard shoulder running that can be used as managed lanes between Route 17 and Great Bridge Boulevard to reduce congestion during rush hour. Civil infrastructure, including gantries and signs, will be completed for the new HOT lanes and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). 

Constructing exterior shoulders between George Washington Highway and Great Bridge Boulevard to address congestion during high peak times.  In addition to the HOT lane, this creates four travel lanes in each direction along four miles of roadway.

Constructing a new 6,300-ft. long fixed-span bridge (with an ADT of 93,000) over the Elizabeth River adjacent to the existing bi-directional bridge, replacing the Great Bridge Boulevard Bridge over I-64, a two-span continuous bridge with integral abutments consisting of precast prestressed concrete girders and multi column bent pier where the approach roadways were supported on MSE embankments, and widening six bridges that carry I-64 over Military Highway, Yadkin Road, and Shell Road.  The existing I-64 river crossing is a low-level structure with a movable span at the navigation channel. The new adjacent I-64 high-level bridge will carry I-64 eastbound traffic, while the existing bridge will be reconfigured to solely carry I-64 westbound traffic. The project was divided into five roadway segments, three bridge widenings, the new High Rise Bridge, and an overpass replacement.

Work also includes installing sound walls, roadway resurfacing, drainage improvements, including tidal gate at Gilmerton Canal, stormwater management facilities, noise analysis and 52 jack and bore under I-64 for drainage ranging 24-in. to 66-in. diameter for 5,410 LF.

There is extensive maintenance of traffic (MOT) and construction access, and coordination with adjacent work on the High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes and ITS networks. MOT and construction analysis were documented and approved through the Transportation Management Plan. Meetings were held with adjacent projects for consistency in the signage and pavement markings, as well as ITS networks, including planning the work schedules and ensuring consistency in the signage and systems integration.  A stormwater management plan was developed consistent with the area and district requirements to meet requirements and DEQ and SWPPP permits obtained and maintained.

This project increases capacity, improves safety, reduces congestion and enhances a regional evacuation route.  It is designed to accommodate a future Phase 2 project, which will expand the corridor to eight lanes and replace the existing High Rise Bridge.