U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said it will provide $141 million to improve regional mobility and safety on I-64 in Hampton Roads. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety measures, and support local economic growth by improving infrastructure and connectivity.

The financing structure of this ambitious initiative is noteworthy. According to a press release, by providing Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans and other financing, the Bureau helps communities expedite infrastructure projects and reduce project costs.

"This project will eliminate a key regional supply chain bottleneck and has vast economic and job creation potential by providing a consistently reliable connection to Virginia’s port system, the third largest on the East Coast," said Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg in statement. "Additionally, the project will enhance safety by improving the emergency evacuation route for the region."

The specific design plans for this renovation are also worth noting. According to the media release, the $445 million project will address part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network, which is a a 45-mile system of continuous express lanes along I-64 and contains one of the busiest chokepoints in the region. The project will create one full-time express lane, one part-time express lane, and two general-purpose lanes in each direction.

"Virginia’s innovative financing approach is helping to deliver these overdue improvements at a lower cost," said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian in a statement. "Additionally, with over 80,000 active-duty military personnel at eight installations in Hampton Roads, improving regional mobility is critical to national security."

The expected completion date is late 2026, according to the Virginia DOT. The project includes additional improvements beyond the new lanes, with noise walls added, replaced bridges on the eastbound direction over the Hampton River, and four other bridges receiving rehabilitation efforts, according to the news release. This project could save commuters up to 10 minutes in the general purpose lanes, and up to 15 minutes in the express lanes.