Governor McAuliffe Announces Initial Toll Rates Will Be Cut in Half for the Downtown/Midtown Tunnels Project in Hampton Roads

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reduced rates take effect when tolling begins Feb. 1

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that initial tolls on the Midtown/Downtown tunnels in Hampton Roads will be lowered by half the level expected, with tolling beginning February 1. Toll rates, overall, will remain lower than what was originally planned for the construction of the $2.1 billion Elizabeth River Tunnels project. Construction includes building a new Midtown Tunnel tube, rehabilitating the existing Midtown and Downtown tunnels and extending the Martin Luther King Boulevard. 

“Lowering tolls on the Midtown/Downtown tunnels project is a significant priority of my administration and I pledged to act on it right away,” said Gov. McAuliffe. “I immediately directed Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne to take the lead on reducing the tolls so they would lessen the financial burden on commuters and businesses who use the tunnels every day. Today, we have a plan in place to bring relief once tolling begins next month. This is a critical project that must be built to reduce congestion, improve safety and propel economic opportunities for the region. But we must execute it in a way that does not threaten business growth in the region or lessen the quality of life for Hampton Roads’ residents and our workforce.”

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) adopted a resolution that reduces the tolls through construction. The revised schedule is below:

·         From Feb. 1 through the end of this year, the off-peak rate for passenger vehicles will be 75-cents, down from $1.59; and the peak-hour toll rate will be $1, down from $1.84. 

·         In 2015, the off-peak toll rate will go up to $1, and the peak-hour rate will be $1.25.

·         In 2016, the off-peak toll rate will be $1.25, and the peak-hour rate will be $1.50.

·         In 2017 or upon substantial completion of the new Midtown Tunnel, the rates will be in accordance with the comprehensive agreement between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC).

·         Tolls for tractor-trailer trucks will be reduced in a similar manner. The off-peak rate will be $2.25 beginning Feb. 1, and the peak-hour rate will be $4.

Transportation Secretary and Chairman of the CTB Aubrey Layne said, “Reducing tolls is a critically important issue for the residents of Hampton Roads and has been my key priority. We’ve taken a hard look at all options and I am pleased that we have come up with a toll revision plan that the Commonwealth can afford, and that makes sense for Hampton Roads during the construction of this project.”

Implementing the toll revision plan will cost the Commonwealth $82.5 million.  This will come from a combination of bonds and other funds that have not been assigned to specific transportation projects.

“VDOT is working closely with ERC to develop this project so it will bring short- and long-term benefits to the region, including faster travel times, reduced congestion and improved safety,” said VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick. “The Norfolk and Portsmouth area will have a better transportation system as a result, supporting jobs and economic opportunities.”

For more information on the project, go to www.driveert.com.

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Governor McDonnell Opens the New Four-Lane Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake

English: Animation of lift bridge 日本語: 昇開橋の稼働概念 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CHESAPEAKE - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today the opening of the new four-lane Gilmerton Bridge on Military Highway in Chesapeake, one of the most innovative bridge replacement projects in the state.  The new $140 million vertical lift bridge, which replaced the former double-leaf bascule bridge built in 1938, will ease traffic congestion for the 35,000 vehicles that use the bridge daily and provide taller clearance for ships. 

            The governor joined the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with the city of Chesapeake during a ribbon cutting event held on the bridge’s lift span.  The new bridge opens to traffic at 4:00 p.m.

            “The Gilmerton Bridge Project is a perfect example of transportation dollars being put to excellent use to ease congestion, improve safety and accommodate future growth,” said Governor McDonnell. “Transportation projects like this one are a major component to make Hampton Roads a thriving region. Today’s bridge opening  follows a historic year for transportation, with billions of dollars in new funding invested in road and bridge projects across the state.  This investment allows the commonwealth to rehabilitate aging pavements and structures, as well as expand capacity to improve Virginia’s transportation network.”

            Chesapeake Mayor Alan P. Krasnoff added, “The new Gilmerton Bridge is a key transportation link for the citizens of Chesapeake and the entire Hampton Roads region.  Chesapeake thanks VDOT for their swift work on the Gilmerton Bridge, and especially for keeping traffic moving even as a new bridge was taking shape.”

            The new bridge is 1,908 feet long with a vertical clearance of 35 feet in the closed position and up to 135 feet when the lift span is opened.  Key project benefits:

·         Reduce motorist congestion at Gilmerton Bridge and alternate routes

·         Increase clearance to accommodate marine and motorist traffic with fewer bridge openings

·         Increase lane width to improve traffic flow and accommodate future widening of Military Highway

            In January 2013, the project reached a major milestone with the float-in of the 250-foot, 5.2- million-pound, pre-assembled lift span which was transported seven nautical miles via a barge through the Elizabeth River to the Gilmerton Bridge site where final installation and vertical alignment to the bridge towers occurred. The lift span float-in proved to be a seamless operation with project crews working 24/7 shifts to complete this phase of the project in half of the allotted time.

            Project work will continue on the Gilmerton Bridge as crews construct the fender system and other ancillary work.  The Gilmerton Bridge will resume weeknight closures, Sunday through Thursday, beginning Nov. 17, 2013 through March 2014.

            During the weeknight closures, motorists are encouraged to use the Interstate 64 High Rise Bridge as the preferred alternate route. In addition, the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge in Chesapeake can be used as a tolled alternate route.

            General information about the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project can be found at www.GilmertonBridge.org.

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Governor McDonnell Applauds Today’s State Supreme Court Ruling: Elizabeth River Tunnels Project Moves Ahead to Improve Transportation in Hampton Roads Region

English: The state seal of Virginia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project will move ahead as a tolled facility following the Supreme Court of Virginia’s ruling in the Danny Meeks, et al. v. Virginia Department of Transportation, et al. litigation.  The project will build a second Midtown Tunnel, rehabilitate the existing Midtown and Downtown tunnels and extend the Martin Luther King Boulevard. 

Governor McDonnell said, “I applaud the Supreme Court for its ruling today overturning the Circuit Court’s decision declaring aspects of the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project unconstitutional.  The court’s decision means the facilities can be tolled so project development and construction can continue, which will bring significant improvements to the region’s transportation network.  This project, which received broad support as a transportation priority by regional leaders, will make a huge impact on reducing traffic delays and congestion in Hampton Roads.  While we understand the financial impact this toll will have on local commuters, the Elizabeth River Tunnel project is a necessity to ensuring ongoing safety and economic development in the region.  Today’s ruling confirms what my administration has been saying from the beginning: Virginia’s Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) is a critical tool in addressing some of our toughest transportation challenges.  By attracting private sector capital and innovation and ensuring projects are completed in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner, our ability to partner with the private sector makes otherwise impossible projects doable. This is critically important for future job-creation and economic growth in the Commonwealth.”

“The Elizabeth River Tunnels Project is crucial to the future of the Hampton Roads transportation network,” added Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  “Not only will it relieve congestion at some of the worst choke points on the East Coast, but it will help move cargo into and out of the Port of Virginia.”

The Commonwealth is partnering with the private sector, Elizabeth River Crossings, under the PPTA to deliver the $2.1 billion project, with much of the investment coming from the private sector. The project will be financed through tolls, scheduled to begin in February 2014. 

The Elizabeth River Tunnels Project is located in the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, and includes:

·         A new two-lane tunnel under the Elizabeth River adjacent to the existing Midtown Tunnel;

·         Extending the MLK from London Boulevard to Interstate 264 (I-264), with an interchange at High Street.

·         Minor modifications to the interchange at Brambleton Avenue/Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk;

·         Maintenance and safety improvements to the existing Midtown Tunnel;

·         Maintenance and safety improvements to the existing Downtown Tunnel;

·         Long-term 24/7 maintenance, operations, management, snow removal and incident response in the Project area;

·         An annual subsidy to Hampton Roads Transit to increase bus and ferry services between Norfolk and Portsmouth to the highest level of service—providing improved interconnectivity and low-cost, convenient alternatives to driving.

For more information on the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project, visitwww.DriveERT.com.  Follow the project on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/DriveERT.

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Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on I-264 Downtown Tunnel Project in Portsmouth

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today issued the following statement in response to concerns from the City of Portsmouth regarding the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project weekend tunnel closures and its impact to the local business community:

“I directed the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board and Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC) to work with the City of Portsmouth to develop the most balanced solution for the work that needs to be done on the I-264 Westbound Tunnel in Portsmouth.  As a result of collaboration by all partners involved, the Commonwealth and ERC listened to the concerns of Portsmouth and developed an alternate plan to ease the impact of tunnel closures on local businesses.  Moving forward, there will be no full weekend tunnel closures, so businesses and the community will be able to use the tunnel during the daytime and early evening hours through the weekends and weekdays.  The westbound tunnel will be closed for work during the nights only.  This is a viable solution reached by the state, Portsmouth and the private sector.  Rehabilitation of the existing Downtown and Midtown tunnels is part of the Elizabeth River Tunnels Project to improve safety and extend the life of these facilities. This work must be done to improve safety and mobility in the Hampton Roads region.  As construction continues, the project team will continue to work with the community and motorists to maximize safety and create the least impacts as possible.  When the project is finished, motorists and citizens will have a greatly improved transportation facility.”

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