RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Leah Bott (757) 925-1515 leah.bott@VDOT.virginia.gov Harry Kenyon (757) 925-1660

HRO-0709 March 30, 2007

VDOT TO POST NO MOORING SIGNS ON TUNNEL BRIDGES

HAMPTON— The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will post new signs on area bridges as an added security measure in coming weeks. Beginning April 2, VDOT will post “No Trespassing, Mooring to Bridge is Prohibited.” signs on the Berkley Bridge Tunnel and the Coleman Bridge to inform boaters of a state law which prohibits touching bridge support structures.

The new signs will assist marine law enforcement agencies in educating the public and enforcing state code prohibiting boaters from coming into contact with these important bridge supports. Boaters will still be able to traverse beneath these structures and may anchor nearby, but physically touching bridge piers is prohibited. This includes tethering watercraft to piers with ropes or allowing the current to hold boats against piers. If nationwide security levels increase, the United States Coast Guard may enact further restrictions to limit boater access near these facilities.

This project is the second in Hampton Roads to install signs of this nature. The first project, completed in 2004, included the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel. Other bridges in the area may receive signs if there is a demonstrated need.

“We feel the safety and security of this facility is enhanced by this work,” says Jessie Neal, Coleman Bridge and Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Facility Manager.

Approximately 16 signs will be posted on these structures, but this law applies to any bridge structure in Virginia. Work should be complete by April 16, depending on weather. This work should not impede vehicular or maritime traffic as all work will be off traveled ways.

Violation of the statute is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which could include up to one year in jail and/or a $500.00 fine.

For more information about this work or other VDOT projects, motorists can tune into 610AM, dial 511 or visit www.VDOT.Virginia.gov. Motorists are also encouraged to call VDOT's new Hampton Roads TrafficLine at 757-361-3016 for the Highway Advisory Radio transmission from 610 AM and to access bridge and tunnel information.