VDOT announces HRBT closure dates

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - The Virginia Department of Transportation is ready to resume repairs to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, following September's traffic nightmare.

VDOT closed the HRBT and the James River Bridge at the same time in the same direction. Drivers were stuck in traffic for up to six hours trying to get from the Peninsula to the Southside.

Spokeswoman Lauren Hansen told WAVY.com VDOT will resume work on the HRBT in two weeks. The eastbound tunnel, going from Hampton to Norfolk, will close three nights, as follows:

• Friday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. until Saturday, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m.
• Saturday at 9 p.m. until Sunday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m.
• Sunday at 9 p.m. until Monday, Oct. 22 at 4 a.m.

"We really need to make sure this work is done. It's necessary work to keep this facility functioning properly. We definitely needed to make sure that we kept the motoring public happy as well. It's a balancing act for sure but it is something that the public and the facility will benefit from," Hansen said.

VDOT will stop its work on the James River Bridge project that time and open all lanes there.

Detour signs will be posted while crews are working.

VDOT suggests the following detours for I-64 HRBT east travelers:

• From I-64 east approaching I-664 south (Hampton Coliseum), motorists must stay on I-664 south through the MMMBT. Follow I-664 south to I-264 east towards the Downtown Tunnel. Follow I-264 east through the tunnel to the end of the detour at I-64 east and I-264 east (Barry Robinson Interchange).

• For motorists staying on I-64 east towards the HRBT, they must exit at Mallory Street then head west on I-64 towards Williamsburg. Follow I-664 south towards the MMMBT to I-264 east towards the Downtown Tunnel. Follow I-264 east through the tunnel to the end of the detour at I-64 east and I-264 east (Barry Robinson Interchange).