Richmond, Va. - The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will aggressively implement the recommendations of an internal review of the maintenance and operations of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. The review began in June of this year and the final report will be out by November 1, the first such review since 1996.

Preliminary findings of the VDOT review indicate that routine maintenance has not been performed on the mechanical functions of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel floodgates. Following these preliminary findings, VDOT accepted the resignation of Jim Harrison who managed the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

“These are very serious matters that are being addressed immediately,” said VDOT Hampton Roads District Administrator Jane Wimbush.

“This is no different than our approach to the Midtown Tunnel. VDOT is taking immediate action to ensure that floodgates to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel are working properly. Routine maintenance and annual floodgate testing are critical,” said VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet. “The flood gates will be tested – fully deployed and locked - at both the Midtown and Hampton Roads Bridge tunnels this month. This testing will then occur on an annual basis.”

The final report on the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel will also call for additional measures to ensure the long-term safety and maintenance of the facility.

“The long-term safety and maintenance of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel cannot and will not be compromised,” said Shucet.

Shucet will be available to the media to discuss the latest developments with the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel at 5 p.m., Saturday Oct. 4 at the Norfolk side of the Midtown Tunnel facility. Shucet will announce a reopening date for the Midtown Tunnel, 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 6 at the Norfolk side of the facility.

Page last modified: Oct. 6, 2003