RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Luefras Robinson (757) 925-1516 L.Robinson@VDOT.virginia.gov Lauren Hansen 757-925-2583

HRO-654 Nov. 9, 2006

VDOT TO TEST TIDE GATES AT THE MIDTOWN TUNNEL NEXT WEEK

NORFOLK – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews will test the tide gates at the Midtown Tunnel on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. The tunnel will be closed during this time, and motorists should plan to detour.

Tide gates are tested twice a year before and toward the end of hurricane season. In the event of flooding, the tide gates are lowered to prevent damage to the tunnel, allowing crews to immediately reopen the facility following inclement weather.

“It’s imperative that we remain proactive in testing our tide gates,” said Darrell Southerland, Bridge Tunnel Superintendent for VDOT. “Keeping our bridges and tunnels as safe as possible is our number one priority for the traveling public.”

In 2004, VDOT worked with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and localities to develop facility closure guidelines for all area bridges and tunnels. The guidelines are used to safely close these facilities during inclement weather when conditions become too dangerous for motorists. Facility closure timing is based on winds, storm surge, rain bands and actual conditions at each VDOT facility.

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



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