Virginia

[WillWeaverRVA]

Looks like the CTB will be switching Virginia from the federal MUTCD with a state supplement to a Virginia MUTCD:

https://ctb.virginia.gov/media/ctb/agendas-and-meeting-minutes/2025/07/ctb-workshop-meeting-2025-07-15.pdf

I see that document will restrict Clearview to guide signs on freeways and expressways only, rather than all signs on which it might otherwise be permitted. I've seen a fair number of Clearview street signs on the mast arms holding traffic light assemblies and some of them look pretty good in my opinion (here is one example that replaced a faded old all-caps Gothic sign; you can see the old sign if you click back to August 2019).

I should've mentioned that the proposed Virginia MUTCD can be found here.

Wonder if Mike Tantillo had anything to do with that project? I remember him working on the Virginia MUTCD supplement a few years ago.

That's a good question. I'm honestly not sure.

[dfnva]

Route 28 between I-66 and Route 7 now has mile markers.

Drove US-58 through Mecklenburg County today and noticed that it now has posted mile makers every half mile, added sometime between 2023 and February 2025. Since VA doesn't usually post mileposts on US routes, does anyone know if this is just a one-off?

Today I noticed the mile markers on 58 in Mecklenburg and Brunswick Counties, but not in Greensville or further east.  Though westbound I did notice a one-off erroneous "Mile 1" on the section that bypasses the town of Courtland, which I think was a mile west of the eastern end of the bypass.

Mostly growing up in states (TN and KY) that consistently place mile markers on all US and state routes (though county line-based), it's nice to see states that don't ordinarily post them begin to do so.  Just wish there were more consistent statewide efforts.

[sprjus4]

Last month, a presentation was given to the TTAC (Transportation Technical Advisory Committee) which is apart of the HRTPO (Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization) providing an update on major projects around the region, both those recently completed, underway, or upcoming in the next few years.

Since 2015, there have been 25 projects that have fallen into this category. 8 of them have been completed at a cost of $1.43 billion, 6 are currently under construction for $5.08 billion (includes $3.94 billion HRBT), 8 are currently in the design phase for $1.52 billion (estimated cost of construction), and 3 are currently in the study phase (by way of IAR - Interchange Access Report) for $2.7 billion (estimated cost of construction).

Below is information pulled from the presentation. The link to the presentation is posted at the bottom of this post for reference. I also included project websites and schematics for a number of the in design and under construction projects.

Projects In Design:

I-64/I-264 Interchange Phase III-A:
• Will widen 1.7 miles of I-64-EB from Northampton Blvd to the I-64/I-264 interchange to add a second exit lane to I-264.
• Will widen the I-64-EB to I-264-EB ramp from 1 lane to 2 lanes, including the replacement of the existing 1 lane flyover bridge with a 2-lane bridge that will connect to the I-264 C-D roadway near Newtown Road.
• Will convert 3 miles of the existing inside shoulder of I-64-EB into a HOT Part Time Shoulder Express Lane (PTSEL).
• Construction Start: Oct 2026
• Project Cost: $525M

Project Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/i-64i-264-interchange-improvements-phase-iiia/

Schematics (click for larger file):


I-64/Denbigh Interchange (Phase 1 and Phase 2):
• Will construct a new diamond interchange at the existing Denbigh Blvd bridge over I-64.
• Phase 1 will build WB ramps; Phase 2 will build EB ramps.
• Constr. Start, Phase 1: Nov 2025
Constr. Start, Phase 2: Aug 2030
• Project Cost, Phase 1: $93M
Project Cost, Phase 1: $188M

Project Websites: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/i-64-at-denbigh-boulevard-interchange-project---phase-1/
https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/i-64-at-denbigh-boulevard-interchange-project---phase-2/

Schematic (click for larger file):



Air Terminal Interchanges (Western and Eastern):
• Adds 2 new intersections (Western and Eastern) along the I-564 Intermodal Connector (IMC) adjacent to the Naval Station Norfolk.
• Intersections will provide improved connections to/from Naval Station gates, facilities, residences, Ingersol Avenue, and and Hampton Blvd
• Constr. Start, Western: Oct 2025
Constr. Start, Eastern: TBD
• Project Cost, Phase 1: $24M
Project Cost, Phase 1: $109M

Project Websites: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/air-terminal-interchange-ati-eastern-intersection/
https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/air-terminal-interchange-ati-western-intersection/

Schematic (click for larger file):


HREL Segment 3 (HRBT Tolling Infrastructure):
• Will add the tolling infrastructure within the 8.2-mile Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Expansion Project.
• The infrastructure will operate and manage the 2 express lanes in each direction.
• From east of Settlers Landing Road to Patrol Road.
• Construction Start: Dec 2025
• Project Cost: $19M

HREL Segment 1B:
• Will Convert 7 miles of the existing inside shoulders of I -64 into HOT Part Time Shoulder Express Lanes (PTSELs).
• The PTSEL in each direction will be opened to traffic when the existing reversible
express lanes are operating in the opposite direction, thereby providing continuity of the express lanes in both directions at all times.
• From east of Tidewater Drive to south of the I-64/I-264 interchange.
• Construction Start: Jan 2026
• Project Cost: $425M

Project Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/major-projects/64expresslanes/about-hrel/norfolk-segment-1b/

I-64/I-464 Interchange Improvements Phase A:
• Will improve the ramp from Rte 168 (Chesapeake Expressway) and Rte 17 (Dominion Blvd) to I-64-WB (towards Virginia Beach).
• Improvements include widening the ramp to 3 lanes and splitting traffic to allow 2 of the lanes direct access to the I-64-WB general purpose lanes and allow the 3rd lane direct access to the I-64-WB C-D roadway lanes.
• Construction Start: Jul 2028 Nov 2026 (note: this later funding schedule shows construction beginning in Nov 2026 and completed July 2028)
• Project Cost: $139M

Schematic (click for larger file):
(disregard the X's on the I-464 NB to I-64 EB loop ramp, that would be apart of a later project)

Study (Interchange Access Report):
Bowers Hill Interchange and I-664 Widening
• IAR Completion Date: Jan 2026
• Project Budget: $2,300M

I-64/I-464 Interchange:
• IAR Completion Date: Jul 2025
• Project Budget: $200M

Project Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/i-64i-464-interchange-access-report-study/
Ultimate Build Schematic (click for larger file):


I-264/Independence Interchange:
• IAR Completion Date: Dec 2025
• Project Budget: $207M

Under Construction:

HREL Segment 4A/4B:
• Converting the existing HOV lanes along I-64 into HOT Express lanes, from west of Denbigh Blvd to the I-64/I-664 interchange.
• Adding one HOT Express lane in each direction from the I-64/I-664 interchange to east of LaSalle Avenue.
• Total length of project is 13.5 miles.
• Construction Completion: May 2027
• Project Cost: $164M

Project Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/major-projects/64expresslanes/about-hrel/newport-news-segment-4a4b/

HREL Segment 4C:
• Widening 2.5 miles of I-64 to convert the 3 existing general purpose lanes in each direction into 2 HOT Express lanes and 2 general purpose lanes in each direction.
• Includes the widening of the I-64-WB Hampton River Bridge and the replacement of the I-64-EB Hampton River bridges.
• From east of LaSalle Avenue to east of Settlers Landing Road.
• Construction Completion: Dec 2026
• Project Cost: $408M

Project Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/major-projects/64expresslanes/about-hrel/hampton-segment-4c/

HREL Segment 1A:
• Converting 2 miles of the existing inside shoulders of I -64 into HOT Part Time Shoulder Express Lanes (PTSELs).
• Creating the transition from the 3 general purpose lanes and 1 PTSEL in each direction along with the reversible lanes on this segment to the HRBT roadway that will have 2 HOT Express lanes and 2 general purpose lanes in each direction.
• From east of Patrol Road to east of Tidewater Drive.
• Construction Completion: Apr 2026
• Project Cost: $198M

Project Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/major-projects/64expresslanes/about-hrel/norfolk-segment-1a/

I-64/I-464 Interchange Exit 291 Ramp:
• Improving the Exit 291 ramp by adding a direct connection from I-64- EB to Rte 168-SB (ChesapeakeExpressway). The Connection to Rte 17-SB (Dominion Blvd) will continue to be via the existing loop ramp.
• The new connector includes a new flyover bridge over I-464-NB and a new bridge over I-64.
• Construction Completion: Aug 2027
• Project Cost: $155M

Project Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/i-64i-464-interchange-exit-291-ramp-improvements/
Schematics (click for larger file):


I-64 Widening GAP C:
• Widening 9 miles of I-64 from 2 lanes in each direction to 3 lanes in each direction.
• From west of Rte 199 (Lightfoot) to the New Kent/James City County border (east of Ropers Church Road – Mile Marker 224.3).
• Construction Completion: Nov 2027
• Project Cost: $228M

Completed Projects:

I-64 Peninsula Widening:
Segment 1:
• Widened 6.1 miles of I-64 from 2 lanes in each direction to 3 lanes in each direction.
• From west of Jefferson Ave (Rte 143) to east of Yorktown Road (Rte 238).
• Project Completed: 2017
• Project Cost: $112M

Segment 2:
• Widened 7.1 miles of I-64 from 2 lanes in each direction to 3 lanes in each direction.
• From east of Yorktown Road (Rte 238) to west of Hummelsine Parkway (Rte 199).
• Project Completed: 2019
• Project Cost: $160M

Segment 3:
• Widened 8.4 miles of I-64 from 2 lanes in each direction to 3 lanes in each direction.
• Included replacement of Queen's Creek bridges.
• From west of Hummelsine Parkway (Rte 199) to west of Rte 199 (Lightfoot).
• Project Completed: 2021
• Project Cost: $244M

I-264/I-64 Interchange Improvements:
Phase 1:
• Widened I-64-WB to add a second exit lane from the Twin Bridges to the I-64/I-264 interchange.
• Added a second 2-lane C-D roadway from the I-64/I-264 interchange to the I-264/ Newtown Road interchange.
• Added a new 2-lane flyover ramp from I-64-WB to the existing I-264 CD roadway.
• Project Completed: 2020
• Project Cost: $159M

Phase 2:
• Extended the new C-D roadway that was constructed in Phase I from the I-264/Newtown Road interchange to the I-264/Witchduck Road interchange.
• Reconfigured the Newtown Road and Witchduck Road interchange ramps to/from I-264-EB.
• Added an overpass that connects Greenwich Road on the south side of I-264 to Cleveland Street on the north side of I-264.
• Project Completed: 2022
• Project Cost: $195M

I-64 Southside Widening and High Rise Bridge:
• Widened 9 miles of I-64 from 2 lanes in each direction to 3 lanes in each direction, including 1 HOT Express lane (Segment 2C).
• Included a new High Rise Bridge to the south of the existing bridge for the three I-64-WB lanes. The existing bridge was reconfigured to accommodate the three I-64-EB lanes.
• From east of the I-64/I-264/I-664 (Bowers Hill) interchange to east of the I-64/I-464 interchange.
• Project Completed: 2024
• Project Cost: $525M

HREL Segment 2B:
• Converted the existing HOV lanes along 8 miles of I-64 into HOT Express lanes.
• From east of the I-64/I-464 interchange to south of the I-64/I-264 interchange.
• Project Completed: 2024
• Project Cost: $25M

Sources:
Meeting Items (June 4, 2025) - https://www.hrtpo.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1359&month=6&year=2025&day=4&calType=0
Project Update Presentation - https://www.hrtpo.org/DocumentCenter/View/14732/060425-TTAC-09_Presentation-VDOT-Major-Projects-PDF?bidId=
I-64/I-464 Interchange Improvements Phase A update (July 2, 2025 meeting) - https://www.hrtpo.org/DocumentCenter/View/14788/070225-TTAC-07Di_Handout-UPC-127093-TIP-Amendment-PDF?bidId=

[Beltway]

I went to an American Society of Highway Engineers(ASHE) technical meeting last week where the VDOT State Special Structures Engineer gave a presentation on what they are doing.

Their current centerpiece project is the VA-3 Norris Bridge replacement.

Project Highlights
+ Location: Spans the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties
+ Existing Bridge: Built in 1957, 1.9 miles long, carries ~7,560 vehicles/day
+ New Bridge Features:
+ Two lanes
+ Wider travel lanes (12 feet vs. current 11)
+ Full shoulders for breakdowns and emergency access
+ Higher guardrails for improved safety
+ Designed to meet 2050 traffic projections (~11,500 vehicles/day)
+ Originally slated for 2036, now moved up to 2028 thanks to the Commonwealth Transportation Special Structures Program Revenue Bond Act of 2025
+ VDOT is using bonding authority to fast-track construction and avoid inflationary delays
+ Preliminary engineering: Survey, geotechnical review, and site assessment are complete
+ Environmental review: NEPA process is active, with public hearings held in late 2024
+ Right-of-way acquisition and utility assessments: Currently in progress
+ Will be delivered as a design-build project, with the existing bridge remaining open during construction

While most public-facing sources still cite the $400 million figure for the Norris Bridge replacement, the engineer said that he envisions more like $720 million.

That is extremely expensive for a bridge with that low volume, but it is vital infrastructure and the alternative is a 90-mile detour.

He said that in the last 3 years that highway construction costs have risen by 24%, and that all the estimates on the Six Year Program will be updated accordingly.

Also that it is important to get these projects built sooner rather than later, because of the rising costs.

[sprjus4]

While most public-facing sources still cite the $400 million figure for the Norris Bridge replacement, the engineer said that he envisions more like $720 million.

That is extremely expensive for a bridge with that low volume, but it is vital infrastructure and the alternative is a 90-mile detour.

With a cost as steep as that, where is the money exactly coming from? There are countless projects, or a few mega projects, that could be built with that money, and serve umpteenth times the amount of traffic.

I'm not saying the project isn't needed, but it makes me wonder where this sudden push for money came from there's been smaller projects statewide that have been desperately needed for years and decades fighting for funding unable to acquire it.

Has tolling been considered for this facility to at least subsidize it? This reminds me of the Mid-Currituck Bridge proposed in North Carolina, one that is certainly not going to be free. Shunpiking it would be more expensive (time and gas) than taking it, so that shouldn't be an issue.

[Beltway]

While most public-facing sources still cite the $400 million figure for the Norris Bridge replacement, the engineer said that he envisions more like $720 million.

With a cost as steep as that, where is the money exactly coming from? There are countless projects, or a few mega projects, that could be built with that money, and serve umpteenth times the amount of traffic.
I'm not saying the project isn't needed, but it makes me wonder where this sudden push for money came from there's been smaller projects statewide that have been desperately needed for years and decades fighting for funding unable to acquire it.
Has tolling been considered for this facility to at least subsidize it? This reminds me of the Mid-Currituck Bridge proposed in North Carolina, one that is certainly not going to be free. Shunpiking it would be more expensive (time and gas) than taking it, so that shouldn't be an issue.

The Commonwealth Transportation Special Structures Program Revenue Bond Act of 2025 is a major legislative move that empowers Virginia to fast-track the replacement and rehabilitation of its most critical bridges and tunnels.

What the Act Does
+ Authorizes the Commonwealth Transportation Board to issue revenue bonds called Commonwealth of Virginia Special Structures Program Revenue Bonds.
+ Sets a maximum cap of $1 billion in total bonds, with no more than $200 million issued per fiscal year.
+ Bonds are not backed by the state's general fund — instead, they're paid from:
+ Revenues in the Special Structure Fund
+ The Transportation Trust Fund, if needed
+ Other legally available transportation revenues
Why It Matters
+ Allows Virginia to accelerate high-cost replacements like the Norris Bridge, which was moved up from 2036 to 2028.
+ Helps avoid inflationary cost increases — VDOT reported a 24% escalation in construction costs over just three years.
+ Enables design-build delivery and earlier public benefit from safer, more resilient infrastructure.
Legislative Details
+ Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers
+ Became law as Chapter 327 of the Acts of Assembly, effective July 1, 2025

This act is a game-changer for Virginia's aging infrastructure — especially the 30+ bridges and tunnels designated as "special structures."

https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/SB1082/2025
https://ctb.virginia.gov/media/ctb/agendas-and-meeting-minutes/2025/april/pres/5-draft-syfp-fy-2026-budgets-2025-04-ctb-meeting.pdf