Design contract awarded for new Chesapeake Bay tunnel

9 October 2014


USA - Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., announced October 7 that it was awarded a contract from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission (CBBT) to serve as the design manager for a new tunnel along the 23-mile (37km) toll crossing at Thimble Shoals Channel between Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the Delmarva Peninsula.

Company officials did not disclose the contract value.

The new two-lane passageway, which is expected to parallel one of two existing immersed tunnels, provides additional capacity so that when incidents or repairs close one tunnel the other is available. In addition, the new tunnel allows for one direction of traffic per tube which better accommodates peak season traffic and makes the crossing safer for all travelers.

Under the terms of the design management contract, Jacobs is completing project development, including the tunnel, associated bridges, and artificial islands, to support the District's design-build procurement. Jacobs is also managing procurement and providing support to the CBBT in reviewing technical requirements of the design-build proposals and final award of the design-build contractor.

In making the announcement, Jacobs Group Vice President Randy Pierce said, "We are delighted to provide support for this important project and are honored the Commission continues to turn to us as their partner."

The CBBT Executive Director stated, "Jacobs is to be commended for their excellent proposal and presentation that distinctly expressed their design, procurement, and project management experience that together with their collective skillsets will be integral to the success of this milestone project."