ATCS serves as the prime consultant for Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services on the $314 million I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lanes Segment 4C design-build project. This significant infrastructure initiative converts existing general-purpose lanes into a combination of express and general-purpose lanes over a 2-mile section from Mallory Street to LaSalle Avenue.
The project involves substantial infrastructure improvements, including widening I-64, repaving existing lanes, adding new travel lanes, replacing two eastbound bridges over the Hampton River, and widening and rehabilitating the westbound Hampton River bridge. Additional elements include tolling gantry installation, overhead signage, noise barriers, power backup systems, and part-time shoulder lanes.
Addressing Complex Interstate Corridor Transformation
The I-64 corridor through Hampton represents one of Virginia’s most heavily trafficked interstate segments, carrying approximately 100,000 vehicles daily. This high volume requires exceptional coordination to maintain traffic flow during construction. The project faces unique challenges due to its location, particularly the need to replace or significantly rehabilitate multiple Hampton River bridges while maintaining traffic capacity.
Converting the existing lane configuration into express lanes demands precise attention to detail for tolling infrastructure and specialized signage. Additionally, the work zone requires careful management with adjacent projects to ensure consistent traffic patterns through the broader Hampton Roads Express Lanes network.
Delivering Comprehensive Construction Management
ATCS implements specialized express lanes conversion oversight, combining structural inspection expertise with tolling infrastructure knowledge:
- Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation: ATCS oversees the replacement of two eastbound bridges over the Hampton River and the widening/rehabilitation of the westbound Hampton River bridge. Inspection activities include monitoring precast concrete piles, pile driving analysis, drilled shafts, bridge bearing replacements, bridge repairs, latex-modified concrete application, bridge demolition, pile caps, precast concrete girder installation, bridge deck construction, and bridge safety inspections.
- Roadway and Express Lanes Conversion: The team monitors the conversion of three existing eastbound and westbound general-purpose lanes into one express lane, one part-time express lane, and two general-purpose lanes in each direction. Their work includes inspection of controlled traffic aggregate placement, asphalt paving, pavement markings, median barrier installation, and roadway widening to add 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction.
- Tolling Infrastructure Integration: ATCS verifies the proper installation of tolling gantries, power backup systems, overhead sign structure foundations, permanent signing, and intelligent transportation systems necessary for express lanes operations.
- Contract Administration and Compliance: The team provides comprehensive oversight, including design plan reviews, safety performance monitoring, schedule reviews, pay estimate processing, change management, environmental compliance verification, and quality assurance/non-compliance reporting while coordinating with adjacent projects.
Building Hampton Roads’ Transportation Future
This project represents more than just additional capacity; it introduces an entirely new transportation management approach to the Hampton corridor. ATCS’ construction management and inspection services ensure this segment integrates seamlessly with the broader Hampton Roads Express Lanes Network, creating consistent driver experiences throughout the system. The completed segment will address current congestion and provide adaptability through its part-time shoulder lanes and technology infrastructure, creating a foundation for tomorrow’s transportation demands in this vital coastal region.