| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Leah Bott (757) 925-1515 leah.bott@VDOT.virginia.gov Harry Kenyon (757) 925-1660 |
HRO-0707 March 15, 2007 |
VDOT TO TEST FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
HAMPTON— The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will conduct maintenance on the fire suppression system at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) on March 19 and 26, from 12 a.m. through 5 a.m. VDOT suggests motorists use an alternate route during testing.
Motorists traveling through the HRBT on Monday night between midnight and 5 a.m. Tuesday morning can expect to be stopped for 30 to 45 minutes, after which, traffic will be released and stopped again for the next section. Please find the tentative testing schedule below:
• Tuesday, March 19, Westbound traffic will be stopped multiple times for 30-45 minutes
• Tuesday, March 26, Eastbound traffic will be stopped multiple times for 30-45 minutes
Times may change if the situation requires. Testing in one direction will not affect traffic in the other.
VDOT is testing the new deluge valves that are part of the fire suppression system. This involves utilizing the sprinkler system and exhaust ventilation fans. The process should take about 30-45 minutes for each section.
“Safety is always our main concern. Testing our systems is a necessary part of ensuring the safety of the traveling public.” says Jessie Neal, Facility Manager for the HRBT.
VDOT requests that motorists avoid delays by using an alternate route, such as the I-664 Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel.
Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT)
From the Peninsula:
1. Take I-64 East
2. Exit onto I-664 South (exit just after the Hampton Roads Coliseum)
From the Southside:
1. Take I-64 East
2. Exit onto I-664 North
To minimize the impact on motorists, VDOT is conducting these tests during off-peak travel hours. For more information about this closure or other VDOT maintenance, motorists can tune into 610AM, dial 511 or visit www.VDOT.Virginia.gov. Motorists can also call VDOT's new Hampton Roads TrafficLine at 757-361-3016 for the Highway Advisory Radio transmission from 610AM and to access bridge and tunnel information.
Motorists traveling through the HRBT on Monday night between midnight and 5 a.m. Tuesday morning can expect to be stopped for 30 to 45 minutes, after which, traffic will be released and stopped again for the next section. Please find the tentative testing schedule below:
• Tuesday, March 19, Westbound traffic will be stopped multiple times for 30-45 minutes
• Tuesday, March 26, Eastbound traffic will be stopped multiple times for 30-45 minutes
Times may change if the situation requires. Testing in one direction will not affect traffic in the other.
VDOT is testing the new deluge valves that are part of the fire suppression system. This involves utilizing the sprinkler system and exhaust ventilation fans. The process should take about 30-45 minutes for each section.
“Safety is always our main concern. Testing our systems is a necessary part of ensuring the safety of the traveling public.” says Jessie Neal, Facility Manager for the HRBT.
VDOT requests that motorists avoid delays by using an alternate route, such as the I-664 Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel.
Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT)
From the Peninsula:
1. Take I-64 East
2. Exit onto I-664 South (exit just after the Hampton Roads Coliseum)
From the Southside:
1. Take I-64 East
2. Exit onto I-664 North
To minimize the impact on motorists, VDOT is conducting these tests during off-peak travel hours. For more information about this closure or other VDOT maintenance, motorists can tune into 610AM, dial 511 or visit www.VDOT.Virginia.gov. Motorists can also call VDOT's new Hampton Roads TrafficLine at 757-361-3016 for the Highway Advisory Radio transmission from 610AM and to access bridge and tunnel information.
Page last modified: March 15, 2007
