Westbound Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel closes Oct. 9–12 for repaving

The westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel on I-64 was scheduled to close from 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, until 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, for repaving. The pavement has reached the end of its service life.

More directional closures are planned through November, weather permitting. Drivers should consider the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as an alternate route. The repaving is separate from the larger HRBT Expansion Project.

Following this weekend, up to two weekends of full directional closures for paving are scheduled eastbound at the HRBT toward Norfolk:

• Friday, Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. through Monday, Oct. 19 at 5 a.m.
• Friday, Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 2 at 5 a.m.*

For Pat McAleer, the miles across the country carried a personal purpose: his daughter, Mary Kate, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2009. He set out from La Push, Washington, on July 17, cycling toward the Virginia Beach area to raise money for research.

One day before reaching the coast, McAleer passed his $250,000 fundraising goal for Breakthrough T1D. Along the way, he met people living with type 1 diabetes and their families, making the ride a chance to build awareness as well as support research.

 Donations remain open even as his journey draws to a close.

Gas prices are approaching historic highs, and the U.S. could surpass 2022’s record for the number of days above $4 a gallon. In Virginia Beach, the average is $4.18.

Conflicts involving Iran, Russia and Ukraine are straining global fuel markets, while reduced Chinese oil purchases are shifting trade flows. Experts question whether buying Russian diesel would bring much relief to U.S. drivers, given that the country already exports diesel.

Greater geopolitical stability could help prices fall, but a full recovery may take more than a year.

• Not a highway: The “Roads” in Hampton Roads is a nautical term for a sheltered anchorage.
• A misleading name: Norfolk Naval Shipyard is in Portsmouth, across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk.
• Freedom’s Fortress: Fort Monroe stayed in Union hands throughout the Civil War. In 1861, three men who had escaped slavery sought refuge there, helping set in motion a policy that sheltered thousands more.
• A singular shipyard: Newport News Shipbuilding is the only U.S. shipyard that builds the Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

I asked my GPS for the scenic route through Hampton Roads.

It asked, “Would you like your traffic jam above sea level or below it?”

Upcoming Events at the Norva

AFI — Tue, Oct 13 @ 7:30 PM

• Alternative rock icons from California, known for hits like "Miss Murder" and "Silver and Cold"
• Touring with synth-pop act Choir Boy as support
• Part of their North American fall tour

All Them Witches — Thu, Oct 15 @ 8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM)

• Nashville-based psychedelic rock band with blues and stoner rock influences
• Emma Ruth Rundle opens solo — atmospheric folk/indie artist
• Expect heavy, hypnotic grooves and extended jams

Bethel Music — Fri, Oct 16 @ 7:00 PM

• Christian worship collective from Redding, California
• Known for popular worship anthems like "Goodness of God" and "Raise a Hallelujah"
• Uplifting, high-energy worship experience

Alana Springsteen — Tue, Oct 20 @ 7:30 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)

• Country-pop singer-songwriter on her "I HOPE THIS HELPS TOUR"
• Kyle Schuesler (indie-folk, The Voice Season 25) opens
• New album tour — all ages welcome

Come together for an evening of worship with CeCe Winans at Chartway Arena. The COME WORSHIP! Tour invites people of every generation, ethnicity, and denomination to gather in faith and unity.

Special guest Charity Gayle joins Winans, along with Red Worship and Terrian, for a night of worship music. Whether you know the songs by heart or are joining for the first time, you’re invited to share in an evening centered on faith and community.

Join Julia Cole at The Annex for a night of country music on her Love You To Death Tour. Known for her charismatic stage presence and witty lyrics, Cole brings songs about life, family and sisterhood to the stage, with special guest Jordanna Bryant.

Doors open at 6 pm, and the music starts at 7 pm. This all-ages show also offers a separate VIP meet-and-greet upgrade for ticket holders, including an acoustic performance and early venue entry.

The Baker’s Wife Bistro & Bar brings French and American cuisine to Hampton in an upscale setting with an urban flair. Its blue-and-white decor offers a cool backdrop for meals that draw on local ingredients when possible, while the Chef’s Table pairs Tidewater inspiration with French techniques and flavors.

There’s plenty to explore beyond dinner: settle in at the 34-foot bar for a classic cocktail, join a wine tasting or dinner, or make a weekend visit for Saturday lunch or Sunday jazz brunch. Whether you’re planning an evening out or looking for a new food-and-wine experience, The Baker’s Wife offers several inviting ways to gather.

Pizza gets a German-inspired twist at Wasserhund Brewing in Norfolk. Its namesake pie pairs house-made bratwurst, sauerkraut and onions with a mustard cream base, while other options run from a loaded meat pizza to one topped with bacon and pickles.

There’s plenty beyond pizza: a warm Bavarian pretzel comes with beer cheese and mustard, and the made-from-scratch beer bratwurst is served with sauerkraut and a choice of side. A vegan brat, salads and a kids’ menu round out a lineup built for a hungry table.