RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Wanda L Gill (757) 925-2584 tiffany.erbach@VDOT.virginia.gov Bryan Moore (757) 925-1515

HRO-0630 May 31, 2006

VDOT KICKS OFF PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE SEASON BY TESTING TIDE GATES AT AREA TUNNELS
Traffic to be temporarily stopped at HRBT and Midtown Tunnels During Testing

SUFFOLK— The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is gearing up for hurricane season by testing the tide gates at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) and Midtown Tunnel on Sunday, June 4. VDOT tests the gates twice each year to ensure that they are working properly and crews are prepared to close the gates for possible hurricane conditions.

“Preparing and testing local tunnels for the upcoming hurricane season is a top priority for our department,” said VDOT Operations Manager Dwayne Cook. “Once completed, these tests will ensure that our tide gates are in ideal condition and we are well prepared for the hurricane season.”

Motorists traveling through the Midtown Tunnel during the testing should take an alternate route. The tunnel will be completely closed for three hours from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. for crews to raise and lower the gate at least three times and test new equipment. Detour signage will direct motorists through the Downtown Tunnel. Motorists traveling through the HRBT during tests should expect 30-40 minute delays. Testing will begin at 11 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to use the I-664 Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel to avoid delays. Please find the testing schedules below:

Midtown Tunnel
• 4 a.m. – Eastbound lane closed to prepare for testing (will alternate traffic)
• 5 a.m. – All traffic will be stopped to test the tide gate for three hours
• 8 a.m. – Reopen Westbound Lane to allow alternating traffic flow in both
directions. Eastbound lane will remain closed until testing is completed.

Hampton Road Bridge Tunnel
• 11 p.m. – All eastbound traffic will be stopped to test Gate 1
• 12 a.m. – All westbound traffic will be stopped to test Gate 2
• 1 a.m. – All eastbound traffic will be stopped to test Gate 3
• 2 a.m. – All westbound traffic will be stopped to test Gate 4

In the event of rain or needed maintenance, the HRBT will reschedule testing for Monday, June 5.
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With the help of Virginia Department of Emergency Management and local governments, VDOT continues to develop and maintain guidelines to safely close area bridges and tunnels during the height of a hurricane. These guidelines allow crews enough time to close and evacuate these structures before they become unsafe for travel. Facility closure timing will be based on winds, storm surge, rain bands and actual conditions at the facility. Area residents should already have evacuated to permanent shelter prior to arrival of conditions that would trigger the closure of these facilities.

VDOT is making every effort to minimize the traffics impacts by completing this work in off-peak travel hours. Motorists are encouraged to adjust their travels on Sunday evening to avoid delays. Citizens can help themselves and the safety of fellow drivers by slowing down and following all posted instructions. Give Highway workers a brake!

Call 511 for up-to-date traffic and travel information, tune into 610AM or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org for more information about VDOT’s Hampton Roads tunnel facilities.

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*** Producers Note: Please call Wanda Gill or Bryan Moore for staging and or interviews at the Midtown Tunnel crash house.