Virginia Beach City Council is talking about tolls going back up along Interstate 264.

Some say it's the only way to get the much needed road improvements done, but others say there are other ways to get the money.

“I-264 is the artery for the City of Virginia Beach,” said Robert Matthias, Virginia Beach Assistant City Manager.

However, that artery is often clogged with cars backed up and drivers frustrated.

“Going home, it’s a headache, a real headache,” said Andre Newby.

“Overcrowding, especially there at 64 and 264,” added Holly Werrell.

Now, officials want to revamp most of the interchanges on 264, but the project has a hefty price tag at $1.6 billion, and commuters may have to pick up much of the tab through tolls.

“If we did tolls, we could make improvements to the entire road all at one time, instead of improving a mile or two and then waiting five years and improving another mile or two,” said Matthias.
Right now, officials estimate drivers would have to shell out $2.85 to go from I-64 to Parks Avenue during peak hours. That's too much for some folks.

“I think it would be awful,” said Werrell. “It's inconvenient. It's expensive.”

“There's other ways to get money to do what they want to do other than that, the tax on gas alone is enough,” said Alan Kluttz. “Tighten up some government and take care of some issues there instead of trying to take money from the people.”

However, others say they wouldn't mind reaching in their pockets if it eventually means less travel time and stress.

“If they can eliminate all that, we're good,” said Newby.

The City expects to have the final report back in a couple of months. The tolls would at least be a few years away.