Works progress on multiple fronts at Hampton Roads

Crews are preparing to build a 1.2m-thick concrete slab as a base for the assembly of TBM components, and are also working on the capping beam at the TBM launch pit. No date has been confirmed for the machine’s arrival from Germany but the Herrenknecht 14m-diameter variable density TBM is due to begin boring in mid-2022.

HRBT expansion requires the enlargement of two existing artificial islands with works progressing on the North Island, while the South Island prepares for the TBM’s arrival. Bridge widening has also begun with the driving so far of more than 350 1.37m-wide piles into the estuary. Testing of materials is taking place at a remote section of the site to ensure everything is within specification.

The multi-faceted US$3.8bn HRBT project is expected to increase tunnel and interstate capacity, ease congestion and improve travel time reliability along nearly 16km of Interstate 64 between Hampton and Norfolk. It is the single largest infrastructure project in Virginia’s history and includes the construction of twin, two-lane 2.4km-long bored tunnels running beneath the estuary of the Elizabeth and James rivers. The tunnels will be positioned around 15m below the existing road tunnels. New tunnel portals will be constructed on the two man-made islands which will be accessed by trestle bridges at either side of the estuary. Around 16km of the I-64 highway is being widened for the project.

Contractor Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP) is the design-build joint venture and comprises Dragados USA, Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Flatiron Construction and Dodin Campenon Bernard.

A feature article on the project appeared in the June 2021 issue of Tunnels and Tunnelling International.