A Message From the Project Director |
Since last month, HRCP construction crews have taken advantage of the summer months to make significant progress on the project. Crews shifted traffic on the Mallory Street Bridge and started demolition on the barrier wall on the north side of the bridge. Work to widen I-64 eastbound and westbound over West Evans Street started. Later this month, motorists will see more marine construction activities as pile driving begins alongside the Willoughby Bay trestle bridges.
As construction picks up throughout the project corridor, motorists traveling through the area should drive safely by slowing down, avoiding distractions and staying alert to changing traffic conditions. Be aware of the men and women working along the roadways.
Motorists can also stay informed about construction activities whether commuting to work or visiting an area attraction. Be sure to check VDOT’s 511 or visit the project webpage to learn about weekly lane closures and other project updates related to travel through the project corridor.
Sincerely,
Jim Utterback, Project Director
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Working Together for the Commonwealth |
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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) jointly visited the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project and Fort Wool in June to observe the seabird activity and how well the birds have adapted to their new home at Fort Wool and the adjacent barges.
“The purpose of today is to highlight the interagency collaboration with VDOT and DWR on the HRBT Expansion Project,” said Stephen Brich, P.E., VDOT Commissioner. “This partnership between these agencies will help deliver the HRBT Expansion project to the traveling public and help provide a safe and viable habitat for the seabirds.” Read full article...
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PICTURED ABOVE: (Left to Right) Jim Utterback, VDOT HRBT Expansion Project Director, Stephen Brich, VDOT Commissioner; Robert Cary, VDOT Deputy Commissioner at Fort Wool |
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Summer Construction Safety |
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The summer tourism season, combined with locals traveling around the region, and ongoing construction for the HRBT Expansion Project, means increased traffic through the project corridor.
With increased activity, motorists can expect traffic shifts, detours, and daytime and nighttime lane closures as crews perform construction activities during the summer months. Read more...
The HRBT Expansion Project offers a number of tools for motorists traveling through the project corridor. To access these tools and for more information, visit the project webpage at hrbtexpansion.org/summer.
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Safety is our number one priority – for both construction workers and motorists - during construction. Please be mindful of the changing traffic patterns, work zone signs, and message boards while driving through the work zones. |
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Extra! Extra! HEAR All About It!
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In the latest episode of the HRBT Tunnel Talk podcast, VDOT-HRBT Communications Manager Annalysce Baker is joined by Project Director Jim Utterback and HRCP Communications Manager Steve Meyers as they bring listeners up to speed on the increased activities in the project corridor due to summer construction and a reminder to drive safely and drive informed.
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Additional roadway and marine construction information and updates, as well as traffic alerts, will be communicated to the public as the project advances. To keep up-to-date, follow the HRBT Expansion project on social media or bookmark this link to the HRBT website.
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Mary the TBM stands “picture ready” against the evening skies as final preparations are underway for her journey to the United States to dig the new twin tunnels at the HRBT. Designed and built in Germany by Herrenknecht, Mary’s cutter head is painted in honor of the flag of Hampton Roads. (Photo courtesy of Herrenknecht)
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PICTURED ABOVE: The expansion of the North Island is taking shape as the perimeter of the expanded footprint has been fully constructed. |
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2 PICTURES ABOVE: A temporary work platform alongside the existing I-64 bridge at Mason Creek is a first step to enable the bridge widening.
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PICTURED ABOVE: That’s a heavy lift! Two cranes are needed for a rebar cage for one of the large “Y”-shaped panels that support the walls for the tunnel boring machine launch pit.
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PICTURED ABOVE: Many pieces of construction equipment are working together to place, shape, and compact the sand fill for the North Island expansion. |
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PICTURED ABOVE: A super-sized “ringer crane” is responsible for driving the 54” diameter concrete cylinder piles for the new north trestle.
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Employee Spotlight:
Meet Malcolm Kates, HRCP DBE/SWaM Compliance Manager
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Malcolm Kates is the “man behind the plan” of ensuring the HRBT Expansion Project meets or exceeds its historic 12% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and 20% Small, Women and Minority (SWaM) business participation goals. He is proud of the fact that in just over two years, the HRBT Expansion Project has successfully awarded 241 contracts to certified DBE and SWaM vendors for over $320 million!
Malcolm firmly believes that successful diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives begin with a demonstrated commitment from the top. According to Malcolm, “On the HRBT Expansion Project, we are fortunate to have that at every level, including the Governor’s Office, HRTAC, VDOT’s Civil Rights Division and District Civil Rights Manager, and our VDOT and HRCP project leadership. From top-to-bottom, our whole team is committed to equal opportunity.”
Malcolm is committed to ensuring that all of the DBE/SWaM business partners succeed and notes “successful civil rights equals a successful project!”
We had a chance to chat with Malcolm about his career, civil rights goals of the project, and his life outside of work. Read more...
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Earlier in June, HRBT team members visited our neighbors at the Chamberlin at Fort Monroe, the American Legion Post 35 in Oceanview, and the Willoughby Civic League to share upcoming traffic and construction impacts and project progress. Construction, tunneling and wildlife preservation plans were the main topics of interest. (PICTURED LEFT: VDOT-HRBT Communications Manager, Annalysce Baker presenting at The Chamberlin on Fort Monroe)
The HRBT Expansion Project team remains committed to connecting and communicating to the public. If you would like a team member to present to your business, group or organization, email us at HRBTinfo@vdot.virginia.gov or call 757.858.6776.
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Get In the Know, and Then Go! |
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Sign up for the HRBT Expansion Project Alerts to get weekly updates on traffic and construction impacts. Perfect way to “know before you go!” |
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The HRBT Expansion Project team is committed to staying connected with the region for the life of the project. Like, join, follow, or tweet about the project on our social media channels. |
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