For drivers in Virginia Beach, the I-264 & Independence Blvd Interchange is more than just a busy roadway—it’s a well-known accident hotspot. During peak commute hours, this stretch of I-264 westbound near Exit 17 becomes a pressure point where high speeds, heavy traffic, and complex lane changes collide. Unfortunately, the result is frequent multi-vehicle crashes that can leave victims overwhelmed, injured, and unsure of their legal rights.
Understanding why this interchange is so dangerous is also the first step in understanding how liability is determined after a serious accident.
Heavy Commuter Traffic Meets Risky Road Design
The I-264 corridor serves as a primary commuter route for Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. At the Independence Boulevard exit, traffic patterns become especially problematic. Drivers exiting toward Independence Boulevard must slow abruptly, while others are simultaneously accelerating to merge onto I-264 westbound. Several design and traffic flow issues contribute to the danger:
- Short merge lanes that leave little room for error
- Confusing signage that causes last-second lane changes
- High-speed differentials between through traffic and exiting vehicles
This combination creates what many local traffic reports have labeled a crash “hotspot” among dangerous intersections in Virginia Beach.
The “Weaving Effect” and Sudden Congestion
One of the biggest problems at the I-264 & Independence Blvd Interchange is the weaving effect. Drivers attempting to exit cross paths with vehicles merging onto the interstate. When traffic is flowing smoothly, this is stressful enough. When congestion suddenly builds—as it often does during rush hour—drivers are forced to brake hard, change lanes quickly, or react with little warning.
This leads to common accident types such as:
- Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
- Sideswipe accidents during merges
- T-bone crashes on nearby surface streets
When accidents occur here, congestion often spills over, paralyzing nearby roads like Virginia Beach Boulevard and Bonney Road, compounding the danger and delay.
VA Chain-Reaction Crashes and Their Complex Liability
Many accidents at this interchange tend to involve five or more vehicles, which can make it difficult to determine who’s at fault. These chain-reaction crashes can raise a lot of complicated legal questions, adding to the already stressful situation for those involved:
- Was the driver following too closely?
- Did distracted driving play a role?
- Was aggressive lane-changing the cause—or was the road design itself a contributing factor?
For experienced Virginia car accident attorneys, answering these questions requires more than a police report. At Kalfus & Nachman, we work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze traffic flow, vehicle damage, electronic data, and roadway conditions. Determining why the crash happened—whether due to driver negligence, distracted driving, or unsafe merging—is key to building a strong injury claim.
Safety Tips for Navigating the I-264 & Independence Blvd Interchange
While not all accidents can be avoided, drivers can reduce risk by:
- Maintaining extra following distance
- Avoiding last-second lane changes
- Slowing down during peak commute hours
- Staying alert for merging traffic and sudden stops
These steps may help prevent interchange accidents, but they don’t eliminate the danger entirely.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash at the I-264 & Independence Blvd Interchange, you don’t have to go through this stress alone. Determining fault in complex, multi-vehicle accidents require experience and resources. Contact Kalfus & Nachman today to schedule a free consultation at 855-880-8163 and learn how our team can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.