RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Tiffany Elliott 757-925-1660 tiffany.elliott@VDOT.virginia.gov

HRO-0518 March 30, 2005

VDOT TO COMPLETE HAMPTON ROADS BRIDGE TUNNEL TIDE GATE REPAIRS
One of the two tunnels will be closed during tests– motorists should expect delays

HAMPTON — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin final testing of the newly rehabilitated tide gates at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel during the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 5. Successful testing will bring to conclusion $357,000 in maintenance repairs used to rehabilitate the gates prior to hurricane season.

Testing is scheduled Tuesday through Friday, April 5-8, beginning at 12 a.m. and ending at 5 a.m. daily. Each gate must be successfully lowered and raised at least five times over the four-day testing period to satisfy contract requirements.

During tests, one of the two tubes leading into the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel will close completely while each gate within the tunnel is lowered and raised. HRBT Safety Service Patrols will alternate east and westbound traffic through the remaining open tube using a pilot car. Patrols will stop traffic flowing in one direction for approximately 20-minute time periods to guide opposing traffic through the open tunnel. Motorists should expect 30-40 minute delays during this 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. time period.

During Tuesday and Wednesday morning tests, all trucks traveling eastbound through the HRBT that exceed 13’6” will be turned around at the mouth of the tunnel and directed to use I-664. These trucks exceed height restrictions for the westbound tunnel and cannot be rerouted during tests on the eastbound tunnel.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes such as the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel during the testing to avoid delays. VDOT is making every effort to minimize the effect of this work on motorists by completing the work in off-peak travel hours.

“Preparing and safeguarding the HRBT and its motorists for the upcoming hurricane season has been a top priority over the past several months,” said Hampton Roads District Operations Manager Dwayne Cook. “Once completed, these repairs will ensure that our tide gates are in ideal condition and we are well prepared for future hurricanes.”

The Kennedy Co. of Va., Inc was awarded a $357,000 contract to overhaul of the 25-ton tide gates and their operating mechanisms last year. Improvements include:

Cleaning and painting all four portal tide gates

Installing new vertical tracks for the northwest and southwest portal tide gates

Installing new gaskets on all four portal tide gates

Installing new guide wheels on the northwest and southwest portal tide gates

Installing new suspension cables on all four portal tide gates

Raising and lowering each gate at least five times to ensure proper operation

Citizens can help themselves and fellow drivers stay safe by slowing down, following all posted instructions and by giving highway workers a brake.

Visit www.VirginiaDOT.org or www.i64info.com for lane closure schedules or more information about VDOT’s Hampton Roads tunnel facilities.