PROJECT CONNECT
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project
August 2021
Mission: The Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project will construct a new two-lane tunnel under Thimble Shoal Channel.
When complete, the new tunnel will carry two lanes of traffic southbound and the existing tunnel will carry two lanes of traffic northbound.
Project Facts
Design-Build Contractor: Chesapeake Tunnel Joint Venture (CTJV), a joint venture comprised of Dragados USA and Schiavone Construction Company, LLC
Construction Cost: $755,987,318
Construction Method: Bored tunnel
Tunnel Length: approximately one mile
Tunnel Boring Machine: Chessie
Estimated Project Completion: ~2024
What's New?
One Island
On the east side of the island, the muck bin has been installed. The muck bin will hold all tunnel excavation material that is conveyed from the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The excavated material will be dewatered in the muck bin, then hauled away for disposal in a landfill.
The temporary water treatment plant that will clean the process water that is used during the operation of the TBM is also located on the east side of the island.

On the north side of the island, pipe piles are being driven to create the walls for the temporary support of excavation. Once these walls are complete, the contractor will then build an engineered berm, through which Chessie will tunnel to get to the bay bottom.
Adjacent to the support of excavation is a temporary pier from which CTJV will work to expand the engineered berm on One Island.
On the far west side of the island, a temporary dock is now complete. This dock will be used to receive materials and equipment that will be transported/barged to the island for construction.
Jet grouting on #1 Island is now complete and CTJV has advanced the mass excavation for the TBM's launching pit. Once this project is complete, this area will be the future southbound exit portal for the new tunnel.
Two Island
Demolition of the retaining wall has begun on #2 Island. This removal is necessary to allow for the construction of a new retaining wall that will separate the future southbound lanes of the new tunnel from the northbound lanes of the existing tunnel.
CTJV continues with the placement of cap beams on top of the slurry panels. A portion of the head wall, the area from which the TBM will break out, has also been installed.
Jet grouting is anticipated to begin in the fall.
Precast Tunnel Liner Segments
Concrete Systems, Inc. (CSI) in Chesapeake, VA, has completed the production of more than 9,000 tunnel segments that will be used to complete the 990 total rings that will make up the outer shell of the new tunnel. These tunnel segments, weighing approximately 10 tons each, will be stored at CSI until CTJV is ready to begin mining the new tunnel at Thimble Shoal Channel.
Manufacturers assembled two rings for testing. Shown here are two complete rings, which are each comprised of nine tunnel segments, plus a "key" which locks them into place. Once boring begins, it is anticipated that Chessie will be able to complete 5-6 rings each day, progressing up to 60 feet.
Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE)

The primary goal and objective of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, a program of the Department of Transportation, is to level the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts.

The DBE goal for the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel Project was set to be just over $20 million and in order to meet that goal, CTJV has actively participated in community outreach programs to find qualified DBE firms for this project.

To date, CTJV has awarded 25 subcontracting opportunities to 20 DBE firms, providing Project services in the areas of design, engineering and environmental consulting; steel rebar; electrical; hauling; janitorial services and material supplies. Several DBE firms have been awarded more than one subcontract, as CTJV has worked with them to maximize and create broader scope of services as it pertains to the Project. The Project goal has been exceeded by 105%, as more than $21 million has been paid to DBE firms to date and an additional $8 million is under contract, bringing the current award value to more than $28 million. CTJV is hopeful to continue to grow this amount as more opportunities become available as the Project progresses.