RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Erika Johnson 757-925-2584 erika.johnson@virginiadot.org Tamara Neale 804-786-6458

HRO-0333 Oct. 3, 2003

VDOT announces traffic congestion relief measures for Midtown Tunnel commuters

VDOT Commissioner to set tunnel re-opening date, media briefing to be held 10 a.m., Oct. 6

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working with the Hampton Roads Transit to ease traffic congestion caused by the Midtown Tunnel closure. Beginning 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, Hampton Roads Transit will expand its ferry service on the Elizabeth River.

“We will pay for the costs to expand the ferry service to help ease congestion while the Midtown Tunnel is being repaired for re-opening,” said VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet. “By expanding the service, 2,000 vehicles can be taken off congested streets.”

As a result of cooperation between VDOT and the Coast Guard this week, the Berkley Bridge openings are restricted during the morning and evening rush hours to help ease traffic flow across the Elizabeth River while the Midtown Tunnel is closed.

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 be used as an alternate route.

VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet will hold a media briefing on the Norfolk side of the Midtown Tunnel, 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 6. Shucet will announce a tunnel re-opening date and efforts under way to develop a joint policy with the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk regarding tunnel emergency closures.