Bridging the Gap: I-64 Widening Moves Forward with Citizen Info Meeting in James City County
May 4, 2025 | By John Womeldorf
After years of bottlenecks, brake lights, and frustration, relief is inching closer for drivers traveling between Richmond and Hampton Roads. The long-standing “gap” in the I-64 corridor—an unwidened stretch of highway between two major Virginia metros—is now the focus of major improvements as part of the I-64 Gap Segment C Widening Project.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), along with its design-build partners Allan Myers and Wagman Construction, will hold a public information meeting on Tuesday, May 6, to share updates about the project’s progress. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Stonehouse Elementary School (3651 Rochambeau Drive, Toano, 23168
What’s the Gap?
Segments of I-64 through both the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas have already been widened to six lanes or more. But between mile marker 204.9 in New Kent County and mile marker 233.3 in James City County, drivers still endure four-lane congestion—commonly referred to as “the gap.” This chokepoint snarls commutes, hinders freight movement, and diminishes safety on one of Virginia’s most critical east-west arteries.
What Segment C Will Do
Segment C is the second of three planned projects designed to close this gap. The current project stretches approximately 9 miles, from the New Kent/James City County line to just over a mile west of Route 199 (Exit 234). Major components include:
Widening I-64 from four to six lanes within the existing median Rehabilitating and widening two bridges over Six Mount Zion Road Constructing sound barriers and retaining walls Paving the Lightfoot Park and Ride lot Installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and new signage Enhancing storm drainage infrastructure
Why It Matters
The benefits go beyond smoother rides. This widening project unites two of Virginia’s economic powerhouses, improves freight logistics, strengthens safety, and reduces emissions caused by stop-and-go traffic. More than $600 million has already been invested in this corridor—including 21 miles of widening in Newport News and 5 miles east of Richmond. The ongoing expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Express Lanes further underscores the state’s commitment to a stronger, better-connected future.
You’re Invited: Learn More on May 6
The upcoming Citizen Information Meeting will be hosted in an open-house format. Attendees can stop by any time between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. to review project displays and speak one-on-one with VDOT representatives and design-build team members. Information will be shared about:
Construction timelines Expected traffic impacts Final noise analysis and sound wall locations
To view official documents, project maps, and updates, visit the VDOT project page here:
https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/i-64-gap-segment-c-widening/
About the Author
I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg. I’ve lived and worked in this area for over two decades, helping people find not only the right home but also the right community. I believe part of being a good neighbor—and a good Realtor—is staying informed and helping others do the same. That’s why I write about more than just houses. I cover the news and events that shape our daily lives here in Williamsburg, James City County, and the surrounding areas.
Have questions about local development, neighborhoods, or home buying and selling in the Historic Triangle? I’m here to help.
John “Mr. Williamsburg” Womeldorf