Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP), a design-build team, has won a $3.3bn fixed price contract from the Commonwealth of Virginia, US, for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project.
The contract is expected to be executed in April 2019 and work is likely to be completed in 2025.
The Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC) is the primary source of funding for the project, and applications for state and federal financial support are being finalised.
Replacement of the bridge trestles on the Norfolk side will be funded by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said: “This project supports and expands critical transportation infrastructure, creating opportunity for families, military personnel, and businesses in the Hampton Roads region.
“I am proud of the hard work and negotiations that have taken place over this past year to deliver significant improvements that will relieve daily congestion, increase safety, and drive economic growth throughout this important corridor.”
Under the project, two new two-lane tunnels will be added. It will widen the four-lane sections of Interstate 64 in Hampton between Settlers Landing Road and the Phoebus shoreline, in addition to the four-lane section of I-64 in Norfolk between the Willoughby shoreline and the I-564 interchange.
Currently, over 100,000 vehicles use this facility during peak travel periods.
Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine said: “VDOT’s largest transportation project is being constructed in the heart of a region vital to Virginia’s economy, military readiness, and regional connectivity.
“This would not have happened without close coordination and strategic partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and HRTAC.”
HRCP is a joint venture comprising multiple partners, with Dragados USA as lead contractor and HDR and Mott MacDonald as lead designers. The team includes Flatiron Constructors, Vinci Construction and Dodin Campenon Bernard.
HRTAC chairman Michael Hipple said: “HRTAC’s regional tax and user-supported funding, with anticipated state and federal funds, for the HRBT Expansion Project will continue to ensure future congestion relief and connectivity through regional solutions and partnership with VDOT.”
