Chesapeake Expressway Virginia Complete Guide: SR-168 Outer Banks Route, Rates & Discount Program 2025
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Chesapeake Expressway Virginia Complete Guide
System: State Route 168 (SR-168) four-lane divided highway
Operator: City of Chesapeake, Virginia Department of Transportation
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Length: 16 miles from I-64 to North Carolina border
Technology: Cash and E-ZPass electronic tolling, 65 mph speed limit
Do I Need E-ZPass for Chesapeake Expressway? 2025 Update
No, E-ZPass is not mandatory for Chesapeake Expressway, but it provides convenience and access to substantial discount programs. You can pay with cash or E-ZPass at the toll plaza.
Payment Options:
- Cash: Accepted at "Full Service" toll lanes (exact change recommended)
- Virginia E-ZPass: Non-stop 45 mph express lanes, discount program eligibility
- Credit cards: Available at full-service toll booths
2025 Update: Peak weekend tolls have increased significantly to $6.00 for 2-axle vehicles (Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends). The Chesapeake Expressway Discount Program offers substantial savings for frequent users, reducing tolls to just $1.00 for members.
Chesapeake Expressway Toll Costs: Current Rates
Chesapeake Expressway uses seasonal pricing with significantly higher rates during peak summer tourist season to the Outer Banks.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Regular Rate | Peak Weekend Rate | Discount Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Axle (Cars, SUVs) | $4.00 | $6.00 | $1.00 |
| 3-Axle (Trucks, RVs) | $5.00 | $7.50 | $1.25 |
| 4+ Axle (Large Trucks) | $6.00 | $9.00 | $1.50 |
| Motorcycles | $1.00 | $3.00 | $0.50 |
Peak Weekend Period
Peak Weekend Definition: 12:01 AM Saturday through 12:00 midnight Sunday, beginning the weekend before Memorial Day through the weekend after Labor Day.
This seasonal pricing targets heavy Outer Banks tourist traffic, with tolls increasing 50-100% during peak summer weekends when traffic volumes can exceed 32,000 vehicles per day.
How to Pay Chesapeake Expressway Tolls
The Chesapeake Expressway offers multiple payment options at its toll plaza near Indian Creek Road:
1. Cash Payment:
- "Full Service" lanes for cash payment, receipts, and directions
- Exact change recommended but not required
- Credit cards accepted at full-service booths
- Temporary additional booths during peak summer weekends
2. E-ZPass Electronic Payment:
- Virginia E-ZPass required (other state E-ZPass not eligible for discount program)
- Non-stop 45 mph express lanes for faster travel
- Automatic toll deduction from prepaid account
- Required for Chesapeake Expressway Discount Program enrollment
3. Discount Program (Virginia E-ZPass Required):
- Membership fee required (6-month initial period, then monthly)
- Reduces tolls to $1.00 for 2-axle vehicles (all times)
- Separate enrollment required: Call 757-382-2599
- Can save daily commuters over $1,000 annually
Recent Changes (2025)
Significant Toll Increases:
- Peak weekend tolls increased from $2.00 to $6.00 (200% increase) for tourist traffic
- Regular weekday tolls increased to $4.00 from previous $3.00
- Scheduled increases continue to meet bond obligations and maintenance costs
- Chesapeake City Council approved toll schedule to fund facility operations
Billing System Modernization:
- New online payment system launched April 4, 2025
- Previous transactions require phone contact: 757-382-2599
- Enhanced violation notice processing and payment options
- FBI warnings issued about toll payment text message scams
Discount Program Enhancements:
- Program saves $1,000+ annually for daily commuters
- Virginia E-ZPass requirement maintained for program integrity
- Separate enrollment required for each transponder
- Monthly membership fees after initial 6-month period
Route Information & Connections
Northern Connection (Virginia):
- I-64 Exit 291B to Route 168 (Chesapeake Expressway)
- Connection to I-464 and I-64 Hampton Roads network
- Access from Norfolk via Tidewater Drive (SR-168)
- Links to Virginia Beach and Norfolk International Airport
Southern Connection (North Carolina):
- Becomes US-158 East at North Carolina border
- Direct route to North Carolina's Outer Banks
- Primary tourist route to Nags Head, Duck, and Corolla
- 60 miles from toll plaza to Outer Banks (approximately 1 hour)
Key Features:
- Four-lane divided highway built to freeway standards
- 65 mph speed limit for efficient travel
- Single toll plaza at Indian Creek Road (Mile Marker 4.2)
- Auxiliary toll plazas activated during peak summer volumes
Alternative Routes & Toll Avoidance
Battlefield Boulevard Alternative (SR-168 Business):
- Exit at Hillcrest Parkway (Exit 8B) before toll plaza
- Follow Battlefield Boulevard (Route 168 Business) for 7 miles
- Re-enter Route 168 south of toll plaza
- Free route but adds 15-20 minutes travel time
Alternative Route Benefits:
- Access to gas stations, restaurants, and Wawa convenience store
- Opportunity to stretch legs during long Outer Banks trips
- Avoids $4-6 toll charge for occasional users
- Passes through local businesses and residential areas
Considerations for Alternative Route:
- Two-lane road with traffic lights and local traffic
- Slower speeds (35-45 mph vs. 65 mph on expressway)
- Additional 15-20 minutes travel time
- May experience congestion during peak Outer Banks travel periods
Planning Your Journey
Cost vs. Time Analysis:
- Expressway toll: $4.00 regular, $6.00 peak weekend (saves 15-20 minutes)
- Discount program: $1.00 toll for frequent users (requires membership fee)
- Alternative route: Free but adds 15-20 minutes travel time
- Peak summer weekends: Expressway essential to avoid Battlefield Boulevard congestion
Discount Program Evaluation:
- Break-even point: Approximately 3-4 round trips per month
- Daily commuters: Save over $1,000 annually with membership
- Weekend tourists: Generally not cost-effective for occasional use
- Virginia E-ZPass requirement: $35 initial cost (credited to account)
Travel Recommendations:
- Outer Banks tourists: Consider toll worthwhile for time savings and convenience
- Local commuters: Discount program enrollment highly recommended
- Occasional users: Evaluate alternative route based on traffic and time constraints
- Peak weekends: Expressway strongly recommended despite higher tolls
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Chesapeake Expressway cost?
Regular tolls are $4.00 for cars, increasing to $6.00 during peak summer weekends (Memorial Day to Labor Day). The Discount Program reduces tolls to $1.00 but requires Virginia E-ZPass and membership fees.
Can I avoid the Chesapeake Expressway toll?
Yes, you can exit at Hillcrest Parkway and follow Battlefield Boulevard (SR-168 Business) for 7 miles to rejoin the route. This adds 15-20 minutes but avoids the toll and provides access to gas stations and restaurants.
Is the Discount Program worth it?
For frequent users making 3-4+ round trips per month, yes. Daily commuters can save over $1,000 annually. However, occasional tourists usually find the membership fees outweigh savings from infrequent use.
Why are weekend tolls so much higher?
Peak weekend pricing ($6.00 vs. $4.00) targets heavy Outer Banks tourist traffic during summer weekends when volumes can exceed 32,000 vehicles per day. This pricing helps manage demand and funds facility operations.
What E-ZPass do I need for the Discount Program?
You must have a Virginia E-ZPass account. E-ZPass from other states will not qualify for the Chesapeake Expressway Discount Program. Each transponder must be enrolled separately by calling 757-382-2599.
How do I pay a missed toll?
For transactions after April 4, 2025, use the online payment system. For earlier transactions, call 757-382-2599 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4:30 PM) or email Expressway@cityofchesapeake.net.
Chesapeake Expressway vs. Regional Routes
| Route | Length | Toll Cost | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Expressway | 16 miles | $4.00 ($6.00 peak) | Outer Banks route, discount program |
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel | 17.6 miles | $15.00 | Eastern Shore connection |
| Elizabeth River Tunnels | 2 tunnels | $2.27-$4.38 | Norfolk-Portsmouth, toll relief |
| Jordan Bridge | 0.9 miles | $2.00 | Portsmouth-Chesapeake |
| SR-168 Business (Free) | 14.4 miles | Free | Battlefield Boulevard alternative |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Virginia Toll Roads - Complete Virginia toll system overview
- Elizabeth River Tunnels - Hampton Roads tunnel system
- Jordan Bridge - Portsmouth-Chesapeake connection
Regional Toll Systems:
- US Toll Roads - National toll road network
- North Carolina Toll Roads - Adjacent state system
Official Resources:
- Chesapeake Expressway Office: 757-382-2599 (M-F 8 AM-4:30 PM)
- Virginia E-ZPass: 1-877-762-7824
- City of Chesapeake: www.cityofchesapeake.net
- Administrative Office: 168 Toll Plaza Road, Chesapeake, VA
