Hampton Roads Third Crossing
The project was initiated to
relieve congestion at the I-64
Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and
other transportation facilities
in the Hampton Roads region. A
multimodal solution was
developed and unanimously
endorsed by the members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO). This solution, known as Candidate Build Alternative 9
was then selected by the
Commonwealth Transportation
Board (CTB) to be further
developed. The alternative is
divided into five segments, each
aiding in the reduction of
regional traffic congestion. The
project is envisioned to carry
vehicles, light and heavy passenger
rail across Hampton Roads,
thereby relieving congestion
while improving accessibility,
mobility and the movement of
goods in
the region. Another important
benefit is that by carrying rail
across Hampton Roads, Southside
Virginia is directly connected
to the High-speed Rail Corridor
via Newport News to Richmond to
Washington, D.C.
This project is nationally and regionally significant for several reasons including national defense, regional evacuation, economics and air quality and conformity. Segment one of the project would provide much improved access to Norfolk Naval Base by constructing a new limited access facility. This new facility also provides an additional diversion point for traffic during emergency evacuation or major congestion. The project promotes economic development by allowing direct access to the ports of Hampton Roads, thereby removing heavy trucks from local streets. Currently, the ports are second only to New York for volume on the East Coast. Additionally, Hampton Roads is currently classified as an attainment area for air pollution. Congestion and air quality will continue to get worse without congestion relief provided by this project.
Project Timeline
VDOT issued a Request for Detailed Proposals (RFDP) on Aug. 29, 2005. The private-sector proposers requested VDOT to extend the mid-December deadline for submitting detailed proposals for up to two more years. VDOT decided to cancel this effort instead.
