NORFOLK—The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is monitoring rainfall at the Midtown Tunnel in Portsmouth and preparing crews for a possible closure this afternoon. All other bridges and tunnels are expected to remain open, with reduced speeds.

“We’re watching the Midtown Tunnel very closely today,” said Dennis Heuer, VDOT’s Hampton Roads District Administrator. “We don’t plan to close the tunnel unless conditions become unsafe, but our crews are on standby in case continuing rainfall combined with storm water run-off from the two cities looks like it may pose a threat.”

VDOT will continue to closely monitor weather conditions at all other bridges and tunnels throughout the day. So far, speed limits have been reduced at all major bridges and tunnel and motorists are encouraged to use extra caution while driving. Winds from Ernesto are not expected to trigger a closure at any of the other bridges or tunnels.

Motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads when possible throughout the duration of the storm.


For more information about VDOT’s hurricane preparedness efforts, visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.



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Page last modified: Sept. 1, 2006