The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion is a transformative infrastructure program to widen and modernize nearly 10 miles of Interstate-64 between Norfolk and Hampton, Virginia. This largest highway construction effort in the Commonwealth’s history adds twin two-lane bored tunnels beneath the Hampton Roads Harbor and widens four-lane segments to improve capacity, reduce congestion and enhance reliability for a corridor that carries more than 100,000 vehicles daily. The expansion is also designed to support future traffic demand, improve travel times and strengthen regional mobility.
What challenges does STV address?
The project encompasses complex geotechnical, marine and operational conditions, including boring two new vehicular tunnels beneath a busy shipping channel – the first such bored road tunnels in Virginia and among the largest in the U.S. Maintaining traffic operations during construction, managing high water tables and verifying strict quality controls for concrete lining segments and slurry treatment systems have been central challenges. STV’s quality assurance oversight helps to see that construction meets the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) rigorous standards across inspection, testing and documentation.
What solutions is STV delivering?
STV is providing ongoing quality assurance (QA) oversight for the bored tunnel section, monitoring the performance of the tunnel boring machine “Mary,” slurry treatment plant operations, TBM guidance, tunnel lining segment tolerances and compliance with safety and design criteria. By validating installation performance and inspection data, STV supports VDOT and the project team in delivering a reliable and durable tunnel system capable of supporting future roadway outfitting and widening.
How will the project improve mobility and the region?
When completed, the HRBT Expansion will significantly increase capacity across a critical East-West corridor, reduce peak-hour congestion and ease bottlenecks that have long frustrated drivers. The addition of twin tunnels and widened roadway segments enhances resilience, travel time reliability and connectivity for commuters, freight, tourism and regional economic activity. The project also lays the groundwork for future express-lane implementations and improved long-range mobility planning.
Key Stats and Accolades
- Twin 2-lane bored tunnels + interstate widening
- Major enhancement of capacity and congestion relief across ~10 miles of I-64
