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Analysis Of Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (JRB) Project

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Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) and James River Bridge (JRB) Project
The Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) is 3.5 miles long crossing for Interstate 64 which connects the South Hampton Roads cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach with the Peninsula cities of Hampton and Newport News. One of the world’s first submerged tunnels connected to a man-made island. The HRBT was pristinely opened in 1957 superseding vehicular ferries that operated between Norfolk on the Southside, Hampton and Newport News on the Peninsula. The HRBT was tolled from 1957 until the second span opened in 1976, and the tolls were abstracted (Kozel, 1997). The James River Bridge (JRB) is 4.5 miles and Virginia’s longest state-maintained bridge; it opened in 1928 as …show more content…

The study will address a number of alternative routes for motorist traveling to and from naval bases, the Peninsula and Isle of Wight County. Every effort will be made to minimize impact to motorists during the project for commuter convenience during the week with restricted lane closures during off-peak hours. The survey team will evaluate holiday travelers that utilize the tunnel and bridge; which holiday motorist travel the most and what are the peak hours. Logistics resources will propose materials required, turnaround time for material deliverables and …show more content…

The work will start with replacing 60 panels on the Northbound side and then completing 60 panels on the Southbound side. The next step will be conducting underwater structure inspection using specialized divers and performing stress tests on diesel generators. Contract vendors for quotes on deck grids and other materials needed. Submit work to maintenance companies for bids to do repairs. The project will conclude with inspection of deck substructure, and perform bridge lifts to confirm the functionality of the counterweights of the bridge lift mechanism. The Project Manager will coordinate traffic with Virginia State Police officials, VDOT and various local media to reduce motorist congestion at James River Bridge and alternate routes if needed; increased clearance to accommodate marine and motorist traffic with fewer bridge openings (“James River Bridge,” 2013). All work will require single lane closures in both directions and will occur during the weekday to avoid unnecessary traffic congestion. Motorists and tractor-trailers are strongly encouraged to use the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel during the repairs. Normal weekend traffic will resume for motorist and tractor trailers, only on weekends (“James River Bridge,” 2013) L.B. Foster company will be contracted to fabricate the reinforce steel deck grid.

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