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Virginia CTB Takes Critical Steps on Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project

Virginia CTB Takes Critical Steps on Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project

Chesapeake, Va. — At its March meeting, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) endorsed the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Finding of Public Interest for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion, authorized execution of the Project Administration and Funding Agreement (PAFA), and approved state funding for replacement of the southern bridge trestles.

The HRBT Expansion is a generational project for the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth of Virginia that will enhance mobility, improve emergency evacuation capabilities, reduce congestion, and increase travel time reliability.

“We took critical steps this week to advance the HRBT Expansion,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “The collaboration among the CTB, VDOT, and HRTAC is the foundation for delivering the largest transportation project in Virginia’s history.”

As the procurement process is being finalized, an independent audit of the process and reassessment of associated risks was conducted. VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich reported the findings to the CTB, including his certification that the project satisfies all critical components considered for a Finding of Public Interest, including project costs, assuring that the cost distribution is within industry norms, and that risk management guidelines were followed.

“The HRBT Expansion project is vital to unlocking travel challenges in the Hampton Roads region and beyond,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich. “This week’s forward momentum in the procurement process further unites the team’s commitment to partnership and drives the project closer to construction.”

The CTB also approved a finance plan for replacement of the southern trestles as part of the scope of the HRBT Expansion project. The South Island bridge work addresses aging infrastructure through the replacement of the 6,000-foot trestles supporting the bridge using modern, corrosion-resistant materials that will give the new structure a 100-year service life.

As announced on February 15, Hampton Roads Connector Partners was selected as the design-build team to deliver the project with a fixed contract price of $3.3 billion and project completion date of November 1, 2025. Hampton Roads Connector Partners is a joint venture consisting of multiple partners, with Dragados USA serving as lead contractor and HDR and Mott MacDonald as lead designers. The team also includes Flatiron Constructors, Vinci Construction, and Dodin Campenon Bernard. The contract is expected to be executed in April.