The HRBT Expansion and Your Commute

What the HRBT Expansion Builds

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel carries I-64 between Hampton and Norfolk, and its expansion is the largest highway project in Virginia's history at $3.9 billion, funded mostly through regional transportation money.

• Twin two-lane bored tunnels under the harbor, alongside the existing tubes.
• Widening of I-64 along nearly ten miles between Hampton and Norfolk.
• Tunnel boring finished in September 2025, and the South Trestle opened that November. New westbound lanes in Norfolk opened to traffic in July 2026.
• Substantial completion is set for February 2027, with final completion that August.

Status as of September 2026, from VDOT's project site. Construction dates move, so check hrbtexpansion.vdot.virginia.gov before you rely on them.

Express Lanes, Tolls and Alternatives

How the express lanes work

• When the corridor is finished, each direction will have two free general-purpose lanes plus a full-time express lane and a part-time shoulder lane.
• Solo drivers pay a toll that changes with traffic, using E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex.
• Vehicles carrying two or more people travel free with a funded E-ZPass Flex switched to HOV ON.
• The Chesapeake segment and the Norfolk reversible roadway are already open; Hampton, Norfolk and Newport News segments are still being built toward a 45-mile network.

When the tunnel backs up

• The Monitor-Merrimac (I-664) carries about half the HRBT's daily traffic and is toll free.
• The James River Bridge is VDOT's suggested alternate when the tunnels are backed up.
• Check conditions first at 511 Virginia, by dialing 511 in Virginia, or with the free VA511 app.

What it means for house hunting

Commutes here are measured in crossings, not miles. Before you settle on a neighborhood, drive your likely route at the hour you would actually travel, in both directions. An agent who works the area every day can tell you which crossings your options depend on.

Ask About Commutes From a Specific Area