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.

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Carnival Cruise Lines' Return to Virginia
• Governor McDonnell Announces Major Step Forward in Widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Telos Corporation to Create 160 New Virginia Jobs
• Governor McDonnell Announces Work to Begin on Interstate 64 Upgrades in the Shenandoah Valley
• State of the Commonwealth Address Governor Robert F. McDonnell
• Governor Terence R. McAuliffe Inaugural Address

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.

Related articles

• Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on I-264 Downtown Tunnel Project in Portsmouth
• Governor Bob McDonnell Named "Public Infrastructure Official of the Year"
• Governor McDonnell Invites Public to Provide Input on Future Road, Rail, Transit Projects
• Governor Bob McDonnell Announces 95 Express Lanes Construction Reaches Mid-Point
• Governor McDonnell Announces $168 Million in Transportation Projects Approved for Construction
• Governor McDonnell Announces VDOT, Loudoun, and Airports Authority Partner to Widen Route 606