November 2021 Edition
VDOT HRTAC HRBT
A Message From the Project Director
If you’ve driven through the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel lately, you may have noticed a growing number of white posts appearing across the water. These are called piles, the foundation of the new marine bridges that are being constructed as part of the project. Over 350 piles have been installed to date. Work also continues to prepare the South Island launch pit for the arrival of Mary, the Tunnel Boring Machine. But, more on that next month!
 
With the start of the holiday season, we’re seeing increased travel for visits to family and friends. We’re thankful for all the workers who are helping to build the HRBT Expansion project and want to ensure their safety. We’d like to remind motorists to pay attention to new traffic patterns within the project corridor and please drive safely through the work zone.

Sincerely,
Jim Utterback, Project Director
Construction Update:
Sound Wall Removal Begins in Norfolk
Over the past few weeks, construction activity has been underway along I-64 eastbound in Norfolk (between Oastes Creek and Evans Street) to remove the existing sound wall and clear trees. This work is being conducted to prepare the area for widening I-64 eastbound as part of the HRBT Expansion Project.
 
The work to remove the sound wall and trees is being conducted during the daytime hours and will have minimal impact on residents living in the area or on vehicles driving eastbound on I-64 or driving on Executive Drive or Commodore Drive in Norfolk.
 
Once the construction of the new travel lanes is advanced, a new sound wall will be erected and trees will be planted along this area of the project. The new sound wall is planned to be in place by late Summer 2022. 
PICTURED ABOVE: A panel removed from the existing sound wall separating I-64 east and Executive Drive in Norfolk.
Project Progress Photos
Pile driving for bridge widening at Oastes Creek
Crews prepare to build a 4-foot thick concrete slab where components of the TBM will be assembled
Quality control testing to ensure materials are within specifications
Crews work on the capping beam at the TBM launch pit
Progress of the expanded
North Island
Construction activity at the South Island to prepare for the arrival of the TBM
Employee Spotlight: Sachin Katkar
SAFETY IS JOB #1
The next time you safely drive through the construction zone of the HRBT Expansion project, you can mentally thank Sachin Katkar, VDOT’s Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Manager. It’s his job to help make sure both the traveling public and construction workers are safe.
 
Every day Sachin visits construction sites to check that traffic management aids like construction signs, barrels, cones and traffic barriers are properly placed and follow VDOT standards and safety practices. If there are any problems, he works directly with Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP) to immediately make corrections. Sachin works to coordinate lane closures and manage safety measures as construction advances. Safety is truly Job #1 for this career Civil Engineer.
 
Construction and engineering work for Sachin is a family affair. Born and raised in India, as a child he accompanied his father to construction sites where his Dad worked as a small contractor. According to Sachin, “I studied very hard and got good grades in high school to secure a spot in a government engineering college in India. I obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree while helping out my father in his business.” Read more...
HRBT Tunnel Talk Podcast: Young Professionals!
There’s never been a better time to begin a career in transportation. The HRBT Expansion Project is a multi-year project that requires numerous disciplines to join together to build the new twin tunnels and replace or update 28 bridges along a 10-mile project corridor. Engineers, scientists, construction managers, welders, marine workers, medical staff, and more – all of these professions have a role in the final product of building you a better drive.
 
On this episode, we will introduce young professionals Michelle Pantoja and Haley Hall both making contributions in very different ways on the largest infrastructure project in the history of Virginia, to date. Listen here...
Get In the Know, and Then Go!
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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