RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Angela Lawler (757) 508-8746 Angela.Lawler@VDOT.virginia.gov

HRO-travelAdvisory May 1, 2005

Pinners Point Paving Complete - Route 58 East and West Reopens
Midtown Tunnel opens prior to Monday morning rush hour

NORFOLK -- The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reopened Route 58 east/west through the Midtown tunnel at 8:15 p.m. Sunday night. Route 58 and the Midtown tunnel were closed at 5:30 a.m. Saturday for milling and asphalt paving at the Pinner’s Point project. To make the best possible use of the tunnel closure, extensive maintenance was performed. This maintenance includes electrical upgrades, lighting maintenance, tide gate tests, repairs to the AM /FM rebroadcast antenna, and the removal of calcium deposits from the ceiling tiles. Maintenance performed at the tunnel this weekend would have required nine separate lane closures.

When finished, the Pinners Point Interchange will link Portsmouth's Western Freeway with the Portsmouth Marine Terminal and the Midtown Tunnel. The project will also add new traffic cameras to help manage congestion. The project is expected to open this summer.