NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Construction is getting underway on a major transportation project that will bring a new Interstate 64 interchange to Denbigh Boulevard, creating another interstate access point in a key commercial corridor of Newport News.
The Virginia Department of Transportation announced that construction is beginning on Phase 1 of the I-64 at Denbigh Boulevard Interchange project.
The first phase will construct new westbound I-64 on- and off-ramps at Denbigh Boulevard while also making improvements to nearby intersections at Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.
The $58 million design-build project is expected to be completed as early as summer 2029.
New Interstate Access for Denbigh
Once Phase 1 is complete, drivers will have a new westbound access point to I-64 between the existing Fort Eustis Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue interchanges.
A future Phase 2 project is planned to add eastbound interstate access, ultimately creating a full diamond interchange at Denbigh Boulevard.
According to VDOT, the project is intended to improve safety, reduce congestion at nearby interchanges and shift some traffic demand away from Jefferson Avenue.
The project will also widen portions of I-64 and Denbigh Boulevard to accommodate the new ramps and turning movements.
Additional improvements are planned at two major Denbigh intersections.
At Warwick Boulevard, westbound Denbigh Boulevard will be widened to include two dedicated left-turn lanes, two through lanes and a right-turn lane.
At Jefferson Avenue, eastbound Denbigh Boulevard will similarly be widened to provide two dedicated left-turn lanes, two through lanes and a right-turn lane.
What Could the Interchange Mean for Development?
Beyond transportation improvements, the new interchange could become an important piece of infrastructure for the broader Denbigh area.
Direct interstate access is a major consideration for commercial development, redevelopment and investment. Creating another connection to I-64 could improve accessibility to businesses and properties along Denbigh Boulevard and the surrounding Warwick and Jefferson Avenue corridors.
The interchange also comes as Newport News continues to look at opportunities to reinvest in and redevelop portions of the Denbigh area.
While a new interchange does not guarantee new development, improved interstate connectivity can change how developers, businesses and investors evaluate nearby commercial properties.
That makes the project one to watch as construction progresses over the next several years.
Construction Impacts Begin
Drivers should expect lane closures and traffic shifts on I-64 west and Denbigh Boulevard throughout construction.
VDOT also says access between Richneck Road and Denbigh Boulevard will be permanently closed as early as fall 2026 because of the new ramp configuration.
Phase 1 is being constructed by the Shirley Contracting and Dewberry design-build team.
Construction is expected to continue through approximately summer 2029.
Next Real Development will continue following the project and potential development activity surrounding the Denbigh corridor as work progresses.