Busy interchange still in darkness

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Nearly two years after WAVY looked into lighting at a busy interchange, VDOT has said construction on new lights has finally begun.

Drivers like Marr Kaleda heading toward the Interstate 264 interchange know exactly what they will see when the sun sets.

"It's pitch black," Kaleda said.

Five years ago, the Virginia Department of Transportation took out 28 aging poles, but a lack of funding delayed the construction of putting them back up.

"I feel like it should be a priority, because accidents do happen," driver Liz Kayser added.

Monday afternoon, Chopper 10 flew over three wrecks in the dark areas during rush hour traffic, although there is no way to say the lack of lights caused all three crashes.

WAVY.com first asked VDOT about those lights in February 2011.

"Additional lighting is always an extra added safety feature for intersections like the 264/64," Lauren Hansen with VDOT said in February 2011.

VDOT said told WAVY.com in 2011 the construction was ready to start and would be up and running by the end of the year. However, construction began months later in April 2012.

Crews are laying down electrical wiring and the poles are being fabricated which should be up by next summer.

VDOT's website has list of current and future projects along with progress reports.