| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Erika Johnson 757-925-2584 erika.johnson@virginiadot.org Tamara Neale 804-786-6458 |
HRO-0335 Oct. 6, 2003 |
Midtown Tunnel Reopens Oct. 18
Richmond, VA - The Midtown Tunnel is scheduled to reopen to traffic by noon, Saturday, Oct. 18, following repairs to flood damage caused by Hurricane Isabel. The cost of damages is under $1 million. Damages were caused primarily to the tunnel’s mechanical and electrical systems.
“The tunnel is structurally sound and will be ready to take traffic once essential repairs are completed,” said VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet.
“It is critical to get the tunnel operational as soon as it is safe,” added Hampton Roads District Administrator Jane Wimbush. “With major repairs close to completion, VDOT looks forward to returning this facility back to motorists.”
By Oct. 18, major repairs will have been made to the tunnel’s mechanical and electrical systems. These repairs are necessary in order for the tunnel to safely re-open. Minor repairs will continue to be made at night with minimum inconvenience to motorists.
VDOT is also taking immediate action to ensure that the floodgate works properly. The gate will be fully deployed before the tunnel reopens. The tunnel flooded with nearly 50 million gallons from Hurricane Isabel on Sept. 18.
“VDOT is working with Norfolk, Portsmouth and the Department of Emergency Management to ensure that the gates are deployed well in advance of the possible onset of flooding,” Shucet said. “However, our efforts must be balanced with the very real concern we have that the tunnel remain open as long as possible to allow motorists to evacuate and emergency vehicles to get around.”
While the tunnel is closed, the following congestion relief measures will continue:
·Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has expanded ferry service on the Elizabeth River. Service begins an hour earlier than usual on the weekdays - at 6 a.m. - for motorists. The service is adding a second ferry during morning and evening rush hours to accommodate commuters. VDOT is paying for the expanded service. For more information, call HRT at 757-222-6100.
·Berkley Bridge openings are restricted during the morning and evening rush hours to help ease traffic flow across the Elizabeth River for commuters using the Downtown Tunnel.
·HOV restrictions have been lifted through this hurricane recovery period.
Although posted detours lead to the Downtown Tunnel, motorists are reminded of other ways to get around the region, including the Jordan Bridge (on Poindexter Street/Rte. 337), the Gilmerton Bridge (on Military Hwy/Rtes 13/460) and the Hi Rise Bridge (on I-64). All three cross the Elizabeth River parallel to the Downtown Tunnel. Tolls on the Jordan Bridge have been suspended to help with traffic flow. I-464 can also be used as an alternate route.
“The tunnel is structurally sound and will be ready to take traffic once essential repairs are completed,” said VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet.
“It is critical to get the tunnel operational as soon as it is safe,” added Hampton Roads District Administrator Jane Wimbush. “With major repairs close to completion, VDOT looks forward to returning this facility back to motorists.”
By Oct. 18, major repairs will have been made to the tunnel’s mechanical and electrical systems. These repairs are necessary in order for the tunnel to safely re-open. Minor repairs will continue to be made at night with minimum inconvenience to motorists.
VDOT is also taking immediate action to ensure that the floodgate works properly. The gate will be fully deployed before the tunnel reopens. The tunnel flooded with nearly 50 million gallons from Hurricane Isabel on Sept. 18.
“VDOT is working with Norfolk, Portsmouth and the Department of Emergency Management to ensure that the gates are deployed well in advance of the possible onset of flooding,” Shucet said. “However, our efforts must be balanced with the very real concern we have that the tunnel remain open as long as possible to allow motorists to evacuate and emergency vehicles to get around.”
While the tunnel is closed, the following congestion relief measures will continue:
·Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has expanded ferry service on the Elizabeth River. Service begins an hour earlier than usual on the weekdays - at 6 a.m. - for motorists. The service is adding a second ferry during morning and evening rush hours to accommodate commuters. VDOT is paying for the expanded service. For more information, call HRT at 757-222-6100.
·Berkley Bridge openings are restricted during the morning and evening rush hours to help ease traffic flow across the Elizabeth River for commuters using the Downtown Tunnel.
·HOV restrictions have been lifted through this hurricane recovery period.
Although posted detours lead to the Downtown Tunnel, motorists are reminded of other ways to get around the region, including the Jordan Bridge (on Poindexter Street/Rte. 337), the Gilmerton Bridge (on Military Hwy/Rtes 13/460) and the Hi Rise Bridge (on I-64). All three cross the Elizabeth River parallel to the Downtown Tunnel. Tolls on the Jordan Bridge have been suspended to help with traffic flow. I-464 can also be used as an alternate route.
Page last modified: Oct. 15, 2003
