Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project: Update on Progress and Future Plans
Have you ever been stuck at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT)? If so, this story is for you. Work on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project has been underway for five years, with crews projecting another 19 months until completion. This initiative is widely regarded by experts as potentially the most important road project in Hampton Roads, and perhaps all of Virginia, poised to be a significant game-changer for regional travel.
Project Overview and Completion Timeline
The project is moving forward, and its substantial completion date has been confirmed. According to Ryan Banas, project director for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion project, the target remains February 2027. He clarified that “substantial completion means beneficial use of the facility, so that means four lanes in either direction.” This signifies a major step towards alleviating the notorious traffic congestion that plagues the tunnel.
Progress of Mary the Boring Machine
A key component of the expansion is the progress of Mary the Boring Machine. On April 17, 2024, the machine’s face was last seen before it turned around. Currently, Mary is 75% through her second mining mission. “That is our goal in September 2025 to be complete,” Banas stated. He acknowledged the inherent challenges of the process, adding, “There’s mining, and that means a lot of unknowns on the ground, but that is our objective.”
Upcoming Traffic Shifts and Redevelopment
Motorists can anticipate significant traffic changes soon. Westbound traffic will shift onto new temporary bridges immediately following the July 4 weekend. Banas explained, “That temporary bridge will shift traffic over, which allows us to reconstruct and demolish the existing westbound lanes entering South Island.”
An exciting aspect of the project involves the recycling of old infrastructure. “Many pieces of the existing trestles, we are working with the Virginia Marine Resource Commission to repurpose them as artificial reefs throughout the Hampton Roads Harbor, something we’re really excited about,” Banas shared.
Further improvements are also on the horizon. The mega trestle, featuring eight lanes, will see two of its lanes open in the fall of the year. When asked if “fall” specifically meant September, Banas humorously confirmed, “If our target is September, well that is part of fall, so that would jive.” New lanes have already quietly opened between Bay Avenue and Mason Creek, a development Banas views positively because “a lot of folks didn’t even notice, which, that’s great for us. That means we’re doing our job.”
Holiday Driving Advice for HRBT
As peak tourist season approaches and holiday traffic increases, Banas offered crucial advice for drivers. “The one thing that we can’t overlook, and we’ve been seeing it for the last few days, is the traffic here,” he noted. “Traffic is really heavy as we hit peak tourist season, … so please, just remind folks, slow down, focus on the road, put down your food, drive safely [and] pack your patience so we can all enjoy Hampton Roads together.”
