RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin broke ground on Monday on the highly anticipated I-64 Gap Widening Project, which will increase capacity and mobility, alleviate congestion, improve safety, and enhance connectivity along I-64.  

“Transportation drives commerce, economic growth and connects Virginians across the Commonwealth,” said Youngkin. “Through continued investments in our local and regional communities, the I-64 Widening Project will help unlock the corridor to unify the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions and enhance job opportunities and economic prosperity. We’ve only just broken ground on the project and we’re already seeing companies make significant investments along the corridor.”  

The 64 Gap is the 29-mile section between Richmond and Williamsburg where the highway narrows from three to two lanes in each direction. 

The project, with an overall budget of $756 million, involves expanding the corridor from two lanes to three lanes with 10-foot-wide paved shoulders in both directions. Upon completion, this project will ensure a seamless connection with the Port of Virginia and the rest of the state and nation. 

It will also make travel and tourism easier for families and ensure continued connectivity for Virginia’s critical defense community. The economic impact of this project will be significant, with companies like Buc-ee’s and Auto Zone already expanding along the corridor.  

“The I-64 corridor serves as a key connector between Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, New Kent, Hampton Roads, and James City counties,” said Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller. “Connecting the Central Virginia and Hampton Roads regions is critical to growing Virginia’s economy, and safety is an important component as well. The I-64 Gap Project will improve traffic flow and operations, including strengthening our emergency evacuation routes and ensuring our communities have a lifeline to safety.” 

The anticipated completion date for the entire project is spring 2028.