FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Background

Why was the Chesapeake Expressway created?
The 16-mile, four-lane highway was built through the city's agricultural south to improve traffic both to North Carolina and on local roads, and to ease the summertime weekend traffic.

Did my tax dollars pay for the construction of the Chesapeake Expressway?
No. The project was funded from two sources: A loan from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the issuance of bonds.

How does the Chesapeake Expressway increase mobility?
The Expressway provides a limited access, high-speed highway from the Great Bridge Bypass to Gallbush Road saving both time and money for local commuters, businesses and vacationers.

Tolls

How many Toll Plazas does the Expressway have on its roadway?
There is one Main Toll Plaza which is located approximately at mile marker 4.2. There is an additional Auxiliary Plaza in each direction to handle peak summertime volumes.

Has the toll rate always been the same? And will it change?
The toll rate increased on May 1, 2011 for the first time since the opening of the Expressway. The City routinely reviews and analyzes the Optimum Toll Rate to meet the requirements of the Bond Indenture. The next toll increase is scheduled for May 1, 2021. Scheduled toll increases are necessary in order to meet financial obligations. The Chesapeake Expressway is part of the Chesapeake Transportation System along with the improved Dominion Boulevard corridor. On July 10, 2012, the Chesapeake City Council approved the initial toll schedule for the Chesapeake Transportation System.

When will tolls come off the Chesapeake Expressway?
The debt is anticipated to be paid off by 2051. At that point the City Council can consider removing the tolls.

What is the toll money used for?
The tolls collected go towards repaying the bonds and VDOT, in addition to the covering expenses for operations and maintenance of the roadway and facility.

Do citizens have the opportunity to advise or provide recommendations to the City Council on proposed increases in tolls, fees and other charges assessed on motorists?
Yes, the Transportation Toll Facilities Advisory Committee is comprised of 5 members (citizens) as appointed by City Council under City Code Sec. 2-620.30 through 2-620.33 adopted by ordinance February 17, 2009

Can I get a discount? Is there a local rate?
The Chesapeake Expressway offers a discount for frequent users. The more you use the Expressway, the more you save. Visit the Discount Program page to learn more and to sign up. There is no designated “local rate”.

Are there any discounts for senior citizens or round trips?
There are no discounts for seniors or round trips.

What do the “Full Service” signs mean?
“Full Service” lanes are for customers wanting to pay their toll with cash, get a receipt or ask for directions. Our “E-ZPass Only” lanes are for E-ZPass members only and are non-stop, 45 M.P.H. lanes.

"Uh-oh, I didn’t pay"… and other mishaps

What if I passed through a toll without paying?
If you passed through our Express Lanes and could not pay the toll, do not stop in the lane or pull over.

Call our office at 757-204-0010, (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), and we can instruct you how to pay. If you are an E-ZPass customer and no deduction was made from your E-ZPass account, you are still obligated to pay the toll amount due. Please note that the amount due for the missed toll will not be deducted from your E-ZPass account and must be paid directly to the Expressway.

What should I do if I get a violation notice?
Call the Expressway office immediately at 757-204-0010. Our staff will assist you with directions on how to pay your toll and settle your notice. If you are an E-ZPass tag holder and have received a notice, immediately contact our office. Remember, if your tag is not mounted properly in your window, you are responsible for the full amount of the toll and the Administrative Fees.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, our office staff will accept Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express for opening an account or paying for a violation.

What if I left my change at the toll booth?
If you left your change at the toll booth, contact our office immediately, 757-204-0010, (Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Please have as much information available when you call (date, time, direction) so that we may assist you more efficiently.

Do you have to pay the toll in both directions?
Yes, tolls are collected in both directions.

Before you go…

Who is responsible for patrolling the Expressway?
The Chesapeake Expressway is patrolled by the Chesapeake Police Department.

What is the speed limit in the Express E-ZPass Lanes?
The posted speed limit on the Chesapeake Expressway is 55 M.P.H. At the Mainline Toll Plaza, the Express E-ZPass Lanes are 45 M.P.H. Customers using the Full Service Toll Booths must come to a complete stop.

I need new/additional Velcro Strips, where can I get them?
Each E-ZPass must be mounted in your windshield. To get Velcro strips, contact the E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 1-877-762-7824 (24 hour automated), or call the Expressway office, 757-204-0010, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Are we there yet?

How much farther is the Outer Banks from the Toll Plaza?
If you are headed south, when you reach the Chesapeake Expressway’s Toll Plaza, you will be approximately 60 miles from the Outer Banks. Depending on traffic, you may expect to reach the Outer Banks in about an hour.

Where is the closest restroom from the Expressway? Where is the closest restaurant?
Heading North – Proceed four miles to Exit 8, Hillcrest Parkway. There you will find several restaurants and gas stations.

Heading South – Proceed four miles to the North Carolina border. There you will find several restaurants, gas stations and the Currituck Welcome Center.