RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Luefras Robinson (757) 619-2638 l.robinson@vdot.virginia.gov Lauren Hansen 757-925-2583

HRO-648 Oct. 13, 2006

PAVING TO BEGIN SUNDAY, OCT. 15 AT WESTBOUND HRBT

Motorists who use the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) should consider alternate routes for up to three weeks beginning Sunday night, Oct. 15, when Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews begin paving the westbound tube.

One lane of the westbound HRBT will be closed beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. At 11 p.m., both westbound lanes will be closed to traffic. All westbound traffic will be diverted to the eastbound tube, and traffic will alternate in 15 minute increments between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Depending on traffic volume, more or less time may be needed to alternate traffic. All westbound lanes will be reopened to traffic at 5 a.m.

Work at the HRBT is expected to continue for up to three weeks Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Work will not take place overnight Fridays and Saturdays. Closing both westbound lanes of the HRBT is required for the safety of motorists and crews working in the narrow tube. The westbound tube was last repaved in 1990.

“We appreciate the patience of the driving public as we continue our efforts to make the HRBT as safe as possible,” said Jessie Neal, HRBT Facility Manager. “We’ve scheduled the paving during off-peak travel periods to minimize disruption to traffic. There will be overnight delays at the HRBT during paving. We encourage motorists who frequent the HRBT during these times to use alternate routes, such as the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel, to avoid delays.”

Alternate Routes:
Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT)
From the Peninsula:
Take I-64 East
Exit onto I-664 South (exit just after the Hampton Roads Coliseum)

From the Southside:
Take I-64 East
Exit onto I-664 North

James River Bridge
From the Peninsula
Take Mercury Boulevard toward the James River Bridge

From the Southside
Take Route 17 North toward the James River Bridge

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