Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Expansion Set to Be Awarded
The fixed price ($3.3 billion) and fixed completion date (Nov. 1, 2025) contract is expected to be executed in April.
Virginia expects to award a $3.3 billion contract in April 2019 for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project, which would be the Virginia Department of Transportation's largest construction project ever. Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia has selected Hampton Roads Connector Partners, a design-build team, to deliver the project. The fixed price ($3.3 billion) and fixed completion date (Nov. 1, 2025) contract is expected to be executed in April.
The announcement followed a yearlong competitive procurement that started with three qualified design-build teams. Two teams submitted comprehensive technical proposals and price bids. After detailed evaluation, the proposal submitted by Hampton Roads Connector Partners was judged to be the best value proposal based on bid price and technical score. The details of the best value evaluation will be presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission this month. HRTAC is the main source of funding for the project, with applications for state and federal financial support in the process of being finalized and Virginia DOT funding replacement of the bridge trestles on the Norfolk side.
"This project supports and expands critical transportation infrastructure, creating opportunity for families, military personnel, and businesses in the Hampton Roads region," said Northam. "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."
"VDOT's largest transportation project is being constructed in the heart of a region vital to Virginia's economy, military readiness, and regional connectivity," said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. "This would not have happened without close coordination and strategic partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and HRTAC."
"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," said HRTAC Chairman Michael Hipple. "HRTAC and the Commonwealth Transportation Board are already funding partners in the delivery of more than a billion dollars' worth of transportation projects that will enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in the Hampton Roads region."
The project will add two new, two-lane tunnels and will widen the four-lane sections of Interstate 64 in Hampton between Settlers Landing Road and the Phoebus shoreline, as well as the four-lane section of I-64 in Norfolk between the Willoughby shoreline and the I-564 interchange. More than 100,000 vehicles currently use this facility during peak travel periods.