This is where I live (born and raised). The Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (we call it the HRBT) is also severely congested, especially in the summer and during peak hours when locals drive to and from work. The expansion is much much much needed. Just east of this is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel which connects Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This bridge/tunnel is also being expanded. Lots of road, tunnel, and bridge projects happening here.
Same! Born and raised in Norfolk, though I live in Chesapeake. & yes it’s a headache going across the water. It takes literally over an hour to get from Chesapeake to Newport News for my drs appointments due to the congestion on this bridge & we pronounce it as Nor-fuk. 😭💕 GREAT VIDEO THOUGH! VERY INFORMATIVE & WELL PUT TOGETHER
@@JBeck2468 the HRBT thnnel, at least to me seemed to always scare drivers as they head i to the tunnel. As they curved into the seemed small tunnel. Drivers always semes to panic (especially the north bound lane). Unlike the M&M straight shot and fhe tunnels not seems so clausterphobic. Love to see how the new tunnels going to be, long time needed.
A couple interesting things to point out: -The reason a tunnel is even required in the first place as opposed to a much cheaper bridge option, is because of Norfolk Naval Base. The ships need to pass through this mouth to get out to the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. And if someone were to blow up a bridge over the channel, they could block it with debris, trapping naval ships at the base (see what happened in Baltimore last year). So, a tunnel is the only option as it prevents that scenario from occuring. And it's the same reason the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has tunnels. -The first tunnel completed in 1957 was designed prior to interstate standards, and as such has a clearance of only 13'-6". Which while tall enough to accommodate normal truck traffic, is too short for anything a bit taller (such as a sea container sitting on a flatbed trailer). The newer span completed in 1976 has a foot more clearance and allows for more trucks to safely pass through. So, as part of this project, the new [eastbound] tunnels will also be taller and the current 13'-6" westbound tunnel will be for westbound cars only while westbound trucks will take the current 14'-6" eastbound tunnel.
Wow, I live here, USN brought me here 25 years ago. I try my best to avoid this tunnel. I take MMT to go to work everyday but this is very interesting to watch. Thank you!
I absolutely love this bridge/tunnel… as a truck driver, I always had to drop my trailer airbags so I wouldn’t get turned around!! Almost happened a few times though!! Would’ve been a pain in the A and a lot of extra fuel and miles.
I lived in VB 20 years ago and my employer got a contract in NN so they opted for a 6:00am start time so that our commute would not be held up. It was inconvenient but a sound idea. But then the afternoon return trip was always largely s congested snail pace.I don't miss those days.
Another concern, besides traffic, is there are several aircraft carriers under construction or planned at the Newport News Shipyard. Once completed and christened, they have to pass over those tunnels (and the Monitor-Merrimack tunnels upriver) to undergo sea trials before commissioning. Then some of carriers will likely be assigned to Norfolk Naval Station nearby for the next 40+ years. It limits options for any other possibility. Rail systems, draw bridges, and higher spans wouldn't even be considered, (hurricanes). I grew up and lived mostly in Hampton and Newport News from '64-'89 (despite 4 year breaks in Texas and Richmond-VCU) Had to commute daily through the tunnels for years and was so frustrated when an accident would back thing's up for hours but you'll need them going forward or you'll be stuck forever! Tolls are necessary for those who need it every day.
I live and grew up in williamsburg but drove down to VA beach for school for three years. All the locals have the traffic down to a science and know when to go and when to wait.
Down in Tampa bay we have a similar situation with the three main bridges that connect Tampa to St. Pete and Clearwater. But I am always in awe whenever I see these bridges in their various stages of construction. I only ever use them maybe 3-4 times a year and see their progress everytime I use them.
Since I’m from around the area I’ve driven through this tunnel many times, there’s always some sort of traffic in this tunnel, hopefully this mega project fixes the issue
Live in Chesterfield County & frequent the Peninsula. Haven't traveled the tunnel route in years. Come in via SR460 instead. Slower, but very little stopping until right at Norfolk city limits
Navy orders to VA is like getting VD. Once you get it, it's difficult to impossible to get rid of it. In most cases, you just have to live with it. 20 years retired Navy and I'm reluctant to this day to deliver military freight to the Chesapeake atea
Lived in Virginia Beach for 16 years. As for light rail the cities not cooperate with the plan that started in Norfolk. They have received alot of revenue with the light rail currently installed and have expanded the service throughout norfolk. The neighboring cities have done nothing but resist the light rail instead of helping to expand it.
@ i remember ODU got alot of I guess they called it "research money" for the origional monorail design. Kindof like the 64 highway expansion up in newport news to williams burg. They started that before I got to VA (1992) Think they finished what 2010-12?
@ Having lived in both VAB and Norfolk, it was the people's choice in VAB to NOT have the light rail. It was the city council in Norfolk that voted for the light rail, not the people of Norfolk. Let the people choose. It's THEIR money after all.
50 states and foreigners driving in one little area. One driver will still figure out how to break down or run out of gas and block all 4 lanes lol. I-64 is something else.
The Tidewater region, AKA Hampton Roads, would need to adopt a MEGA OVERHAUL of the infrastructure to incorporate mass transit, costing many times the cost of the NEW HRBT or any other bridge tunnel up river. I wonder if the critics did any research on costs to incorporate mass transit into Tidewater before criticizing the current project. I've lived on both sides of the HRBT for decades. It was way past due when it started.
I agree. I think a rail system from outside HR that could carry people to Norfolk Naval Base, Norfolk Naval shipyard, Newport News shipyard, carry people to Va Beach from say, Suffolk or further west. Get the shipyard cars off the road would be huge. In the summer, tourists flip out going through the tunnels...not sure how to fix how or why the slow down to a crawl. Then the people on their cell phones causing crashes, solve that as well.....but more lanes will be a huge benefit. Next project is to widen the 664 tunnel or MMBT...it gets backed up really bad as well.
@@jstone1211 As a teenager about 1970, I remember getting picked up while hitchhiking from Murfreesboro NC to VAB early in the morning. A large van carrying at least 9 people picked me up. They were going to work at he Newport News shipyard. A mass transit for such people outside of Tidewater might be feasible, but AFAIK no one has carried out such studies. Let's see what that might cost B4 we jump into funding such things.
@@hifinsword I hear you, but I see the traffic everyday. I have traveled overseas and in other cities in the USA...a properly designed rail transit system would work....but a study should be done...
@@jstone1211 I lived in Japan for 3 years. You can set your watch on their rail line schedule. Where I lived was a continuous densely inhabited corridor from Yokosuka to Tokyo. We are much less densely populated here in Tidewater. Also Japan allows multiuse zoning with homes tucked in with businesses, something very rare in Virginia. You can get about anything you need within walking distance where I lived in Japan, except on the U.S. military bases and housing areas. When you can walk to get anything, you need here, I can see citizens supporting mass transit.
@@hifinsword I and I would guess most Americans would not want to live in such a contested space. I know I value my space and my yard....but I agree with your point...
variable pricing means that the new elements are for people who can afford it, namely, rich people, and businesses that can deduct it from their taxes. You can see the same arrangement in the northern area of Virginia, where the main lanes are packed to the gills and the rich/desperate/business people get to use the high cost toll road.
Well, THIS billions of dollars to build a few more lanes will surely fix traffic. I mean, look at that animation by the people getting the billions: no more traffic!
No they should be part of the tunnel E-ZPass because of all the people that don't live in Virginia that use the tunnel they could pay for the thing in just a couple years and it's not big a deal if it's like $0.50 or a dollar but then give discounts to a locals😊
that's Virginia for ya! They keep raising taxes for highway projects and when they're done, do the taxes dissappear? No, they raise taxes again AND put toll cameras on!
"If you build it, they will come". Cars will come and traffic congestion will eventually return. It's like if you buy a bigger house, your just going to acquire more stuff to fill it with because you have more space.
@@gregb.6799 the infrastructure has to grow ahead of or at least with population growth , if not we will be in the same shape as California ,( overloaded electrical lines causing wild fires )
This was always a traffic issue from 6/8 am to 4/6 pm as well as the tunnel right beside it, Mara Mac, coming from nn was faster taking the bridge to Suffolk thn coming around to Chesapeake it was a longer route but faster because of no traffic
As someone who has driven in LA a substantial amount, you are absolutely wrong. While traffic can be terrible at certain times, it is nowhere near LA levels.
😂 Like nails on chalkboard. If you ever travel here and want to sound like a local, drop the "L". It's more like "Nor-fok" or if you want to sound real southern, "Naw-fok".
Oh my God I thought the same thing I started dating this girl about a year ago and she says it the same way lol I'm like it's not pronounced like that you tourist lol
Yep, that’s the first thing I noticed too. I grew up in Chesapeake but now live in Roanoke and everyone here pronounces Norfolk wrong as well! 😉 In the same vein, I’ve since learned that the name of my adopted hometown is pronounced Rownoke by the locals, more or less skipping the “a” sound and syllable. I find these little quirks charming and a nice indication of each area’s distinctive personality.
Don't sleep on those 'variable' tolls. My friend in DC says his company has paid up to $65 each way and it goes to a private company in Australia so not all of that money goes back into infrastructure. Some if not most will feed a profit margin. Protest private management. If the government manages it then they are restricted to 7 percent overhead which will make the tolls cheaper and more of your dollars spent going towards upkeep and future projects.
It'd be 95 out, high humidity, and I'd be sitting in my '81 Celica with the heat blasting trying to keep it from overheating, sometimes for 2 hours waiting to get thru backup there. And cars over heating while waiting also and tow trucks trying to get thru. MM opening was great if going to OBX or Chesapeake but didnt help much for N/VB
When the tunnel is finished move the machine to the Virginia mountain and put a highway under the mountain instead of trying to drive over it. For trains and cars.
For mass transit to be effective in Hampton Roads, trains and buses would need to run 24 hours a day on a more frequent timetable. Last time I checked, they do not. Ridership does not support this extended schedule. Dedicated tunnels for trains would be ruinously expensive for the region. Rail and bus stations that connect with passenger ferries for the deep water crossings (shipping channels) might make it possible to consider. In my opinion, every bridge tunnel crossing in the region was obsolete or close to it when they were finally completed. I have lived in this area all my life and am old enough to remember the old James River Bridge (scary!!) before it was finally replaced.
Yep, it's the same issue everywhere. Critics of expanded highways always scream about mass transit but getting people to use it enough to matter and be self supporting is the real issue. In most areas outside of confined, large metro regions you end up spending more to build the system and then subsidize it to keep it running below break even capacity then would ever be spent of expanding highways. It's a nice idea but few areas of the country can make it work effectively.
From the area, I’m going to give some further context to this project. The HRBT was first opened in 1957 as a solution to allow for more flexibility in people communing from the peninsula to the south side of Hampton Roads. Before this, a ferry service connected Downtown Newport News and Naval Station Norfolk. Two decades later, in 1976, a second tunnel was constructed allowing for separate travel lanes, east and west-bond. This is not the ONLY way to commute from the peninsula. In 1928 a lift bridge was constructed between downtown Newport News and a then-rural area of Isle of Wight County. The current bridge was constructed in 1982. Then in the 1980s, a second bridge-tunnel complex was constructed connecting Downtown Newport News with the western edge of the metropolitan area, opening in 1992. The current construction project was first proposed in the early 2000s following a further expansion in the strategic location and importance of the over dozen military insulation located across the Hampton Region. Especially following the War on Terror, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This project is the “Halo” project for the area. Across the entire region, some $1-3 billion dollars worth of projects have been invested in expanding and improving the current interstate infrastructure in the region. Also, this isn’t the only new tunnel bore happening. Across the bay, the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge tunnel is having its expansion of a new southern tunnel. Phase one of a multi-year project to expand that complex to allow for full two-way travel. Currently, the tunnel supports North and Southbound traffic. So the entire region may be the most well-invested non-major metropolitan area in the country. Nice video and have subscribed. Look forward to seeing other videos.
The tolls are going to be a disaster. They've already trialed the express lanes on the south side and not many people use them... and the people that do seem to not understand that the speed limit is faster so they go 55 and it backs up because you can't pass. So the typical 5:00pm traffic will still back up 5 miles to Granby St (as it does every evening) with only a few people paying the surge toll to skip the line. As it has been proven time and time again, adding more lanes does *not* reduce traffic congestion.
That toll lane on on the 64 expansion through Indian River is a mess. They made it one lane, with a 65mph speed limit vice 60 in the free lanes, and folks will still jump in it and do 55-60. Of course since the only other driving space is a shoulder, it's illegal to pass. At that point I might as well have just stayed in traffic and saved my money.
They should put effort into the light rail system! They should run it out to the oceanfront. They should run it back to Harborview. Then it would have enough patronage and be self-sustaining and to keep growing. I watched the DC Metrorail system grow from a single short line to the massive system it is today. Hampton roads could have imitated that model with the light rail but politics got I the way.
Concerning those with the opinion that “why should there be tolls on a systems where all taxpayers footed the bill already?” This is most certainly an understandable objection. Actually, the tolls would be a tremendous help to defray maintenance costs applied to upkeep/repairs of the tunnels. I definitely do not want my tax dollars constantly being spent repairing tunnels that I do not use. Get it? Let the locals and visitors pay for the bulk of that that!
The road to the tunnel dips, then a slight blind left turn, which naturally causes people to slow down before getting there. Horrible civil engineering…
I get what you're saying and thinking but with family in Orlando and Atlanta where they have similar arrangements a lot of people gladly pay the tolls to try and avoid traffic. Some days even the toll lanes are slow because of heavy traffic.
Traffic in this tunnel was bad 35 years ago when I lived in Richmond and would go to the beach on weekends, and if there was a wreck...be prepared to sit for a while
MY HOMETOWN, THE 757!! Real talk, this project was badly needed. I can’t wait until it gets finished but i love seeing the progress each time I visit home. 🐧
Generally, people take the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT), *NOT* the HRBT when going to Nags Head and such. I am mixed on the upgrade because, as said in the video, research is indicating when drive times are reduced, people tend to commute from further out. Thus, the traffic goes back to square one. I believe it was in Houston, they actually removed an interstate and the traffic was bad so people stopped driving. It was more due to people not commuting from as far out, not because of buses, metro's, etc.
The difference between the MMMBT and HRBT is one minute if there isn't any traffic. But the HRBT is always backed up, so more people use the MMMBT. Plus, plenty of people are just going to Virginia Beach. The HRBT backs up every morning and every afternoon significantly. It needed help.
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The problem isn't the tunnel or lanes it's the idiots that slow down once they get to the tunnel. After you get through the tunnel there's no more traffic. Idiots need to learn to maintain speed going through the tunnel.
Born an raised in newport news i don't care how many tunnels the state build the traffic will stay the same slow drivers accidents all day slowing the flow of traffic down god I hate it
The Tide is a great example of how having all these cities instead of a single metro area has hampered any efforts to make this area flourish. VB always wants "whats best for the oceanfront (not necessarily for the rest of VB)" and has said no to every single project they didn't come up with. Portsmouth had a great opportunity to utilize the existing Midtown tunnel tube for a light rail transit into Norfolk and just add a second new tunnel, but balked, and now they have lost more money than likely would have been spent due to people not wanting to spend the tolls to cross the Downtown or Midtown tunnels. That line could have extended clear into North Suffolk if had been executed correctly. Also, Norfolk missed the opportunity to run a line to the base. If you could have lived in Suffolk and taken the train straight to the Naval base, you could have cut out probably 5-10% of traffic on the MLK expressway and 664 to Bowers Hill. Not to mention, Chesapeake being able to connect Western Branch with the rest of the city. The only area that would have likely suffered from a Tidewater-wide rail system would have been Isle of Wight, because it would have pushed even more people out that way, and the roads there can't take the massive overdevelopment their suffering with right now.
EVERY. SINGLE. WEEKDAY!!!! From about 3:00PM through 7:00PM that stretch is a parking lot. This expansion will relieve traffic in Hampton Roads for decades to come!
Anyone in disagreement with this expansion needs to ask themselves one question: how would a family going to the beach for a week’s vacation do it without a car?
amtrak has regular services, greyhound has services, and then you have well the car and the regional transportation system. wanna get to the beaches and you don't have a car? greyhound bus ride or amtrak, depending on which service is available. if you have a car, then you'd have the option of either having a car, or using amtrak or greyhound/flixbus.
Furthermore, the biggest cause of the congestion is daily commuters. If there was good convenient public transit, I would gladly take it instead of having to get stuck in traffic every day, Yes I live in the area and need to cross the tunnel twice/day, along with tens of thousands others.
The area outside a small core is suburban sprawl. It needs to densify to make public transportation worth it. Right now people are still going to need a car to get to and from stations.
@@emesssea We can do both at the same time. Transit isn't built overnight. And by building even more car centric infrastructure aren't you just encouraging more sprawl?
@@Michael-rr7um They actually are doing both at the same time. Have you looked into the Transforming Rail in VA project? It also has a several billion dollar price tag.
Wth has been going on? I went to college down there 1999 and it was always work being done on that tunnel. I’m 43 yo now. You mean to tell me they still working on that damn tunnel? Omg
"We can solve it. Just one more lane. I swear, this time it will work!" I'm local. No one here is excited about this. We all know it will only INCREASE traffic, as every "widening" project does. And even MORE tolls to deal with, after our taxes have already drained us dry. We need more telecommuting, not more lanes. PS - the Norfolk light rail loses money with each and every rider, just as EVERY light rail system in the US does. Of COURSE the neighboring cities don't want it. Why go into debt to have the nasty, dangerous New York City subway experience when you can simply watch it, safely, on TH-cam?
@@LIWYMA City residents voted down the ~$1B Light Rail Expansion question (Newtown Rd to Oceanfront) in 2016. Instead, the city is planning to turn the old NS corridor into a mixed-use rail trail. The LR referendum was rejected for a few reasons: the taxpayers and city of VB would be mostly paying for it, but there was a widely-held perception that it wouldn't really benefit VB residents much (mostly people in Norfolk and tourists wanting to visit Town Center & the Oceanfront). Virginia Beach is geographically huge and covers a very large area -- the light rail runs along the old NS corridor along I-264, so it wouldn't have resulted in a significant amount of reduced traffic without building out additional lines and spurs to reach north & south into the city. I do think it could be successful -- but in order for people to actually want to use it, there would need to be additional North-South lines, and I personally don't think Virginia Beach is dense enough for the cost (both monetary and razing of buildings & homes) to be worthwhile.
“NORE FOLK VIRGINIA” lmao you can always tell who isn’t from around here, and aren’t used to properly pronounce Norfolk. It’s pronounced either “Nawfuk” or “Norfuk”. Outsiders always pronounce it NorFOLK 😂
Welp. Looks like its time to move to new places. This area has Cameras and Tolls everywhere. And, you can't talk to a judge to clear your name now when you need to talk about of any of the legal fees. Clearly they just want rich people here now. So its time to go or lose your license and your home. This expansion is because of nothing more than a sheer cash grab.
The reason is every one involved with these projects get a big chunk of the pie. I hope this project helps and it will for a while. Traffic increases every year will soon catch up to this costly roadway. You build it the traffic will always come it does every where.
It's so stupid that funding an 8 lane highway project is no problem but funding rail projects is so restricted. Or just allocating more funding to make bus service sufficient.
I was looking for your type of comment. Even in this video, it was never actually said that heavy rail was a bad option. It seemed to infer the opposite. The short-sightedness of such projects never ceases to amaze me. SMBH
Rail is point to point. Roads can see people live in a million different points and use it to go to a million different points on the other side. Hate to say but cars will always be more flexible than a bunch of people going from suburb one in to downtown.
@@andyrob3259 rail is point to point yes, but rail gets a lot more people from point A to point B than a car. cars also use up more land space than rails. then there is induced demand, which happened within a year after TXDOT built the superwide katy freeway. hate to break it to ya, but rail and buses will need to be utilized better, but that takes interstate corporation that neither the carolinas nor the state of Virginia is willing to do. and brightline is not heading over to hampton roads or the carolinas anytime soon. and i hate to break it to you, but induced demand will leave you stuck in traffic for years to come, even after this widing project is finished.
so congestion problems won't go away even in the short term. the overwhelming majority of motorists hate tolls and will avoid them where possible. This lesson wasn't learned after they converted the HOV lane on I264 into a variable toll lane, worsening already annoying traffic congestion problems at the 264/64 interchange and on the stretch of 264 leading to the Indian River exit. the back-ups at the interchange, once an occasional occurrence, are now a DAILY occurrence thanks to this boneheaded move. the bureaucrats have no perspective or common sense.
Ahhh, Va Beach my hometown! This has been SORELY needed for 20+ years.
Right? Countless accidents happen because the people entering the tunnel aren't aware of the people stopped at the bottom
I drive over this every day and I love the infrastructure project! Proud to have Norfolk featured on this!
This is where I live (born and raised). The Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (we call it the HRBT) is also severely congested, especially in the summer and during peak hours when locals drive to and from work. The expansion is much much much needed.
Just east of this is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel which connects Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This bridge/tunnel is also being expanded.
Lots of road, tunnel, and bridge projects happening here.
Same! Born and raised in Norfolk, though I live in Chesapeake. & yes it’s a headache going across the water. It takes literally over an hour to get from Chesapeake to Newport News for my drs appointments due to the congestion on this bridge & we pronounce it as Nor-fuk. 😭💕 GREAT VIDEO THOUGH! VERY INFORMATIVE & WELL PUT TOGETHER
@@JBeck2468 the HRBT thnnel, at least to me seemed to always scare drivers as they head i to the tunnel. As they curved into the seemed small tunnel. Drivers always semes to panic (especially the north bound lane). Unlike the M&M straight shot and fhe tunnels not seems so clausterphobic. Love to see how the new tunnels going to be, long time needed.
A couple interesting things to point out:
-The reason a tunnel is even required in the first place as opposed to a much cheaper bridge option, is because of Norfolk Naval Base. The ships need to pass through this mouth to get out to the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. And if someone were to blow up a bridge over the channel, they could block it with debris, trapping naval ships at the base (see what happened in Baltimore last year). So, a tunnel is the only option as it prevents that scenario from occuring. And it's the same reason the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has tunnels.
-The first tunnel completed in 1957 was designed prior to interstate standards, and as such has a clearance of only 13'-6". Which while tall enough to accommodate normal truck traffic, is too short for anything a bit taller (such as a sea container sitting on a flatbed trailer). The newer span completed in 1976 has a foot more clearance and allows for more trucks to safely pass through. So, as part of this project, the new [eastbound] tunnels will also be taller and the current 13'-6" westbound tunnel will be for westbound cars only while westbound trucks will take the current 14'-6" eastbound tunnel.
Wow, I live here, USN brought me here 25 years ago. I try my best to avoid this tunnel. I take MMT to go to work everyday but this is very interesting to watch. Thank you!
I absolutely love this bridge/tunnel… as a truck driver, I always had to drop my trailer airbags so I wouldn’t get turned around!! Almost happened a few times though!! Would’ve been a pain in the A and a lot of extra fuel and miles.
Yea and they are the number one reason for traffic congestion
I lived in VB 20 years ago and my employer got a contract in NN so they opted for a 6:00am start time so that our commute would not be held up. It was inconvenient but a sound idea. But then the afternoon return trip was always largely s congested snail pace.I don't miss those days.
"Struggles to keep up with demand" that's an understatement, It doesn't.
I live in Richmond and go to Virginia Beach a couple times per year. It definitely looks like a MEGA project when you drive by it
Another concern, besides traffic, is there are several aircraft carriers under construction or planned at the Newport News Shipyard. Once completed and christened, they have to pass over those tunnels (and the Monitor-Merrimack tunnels upriver) to undergo sea trials before commissioning. Then some of carriers will likely be assigned to Norfolk Naval Station nearby for the next 40+ years. It limits options for any other possibility. Rail systems, draw bridges, and higher spans wouldn't even be considered, (hurricanes).
I grew up and lived mostly in Hampton and Newport News from '64-'89 (despite 4 year breaks in Texas and Richmond-VCU) Had to commute daily through the tunnels for years and was so frustrated when an accident would back thing's up for hours but you'll need them going forward or you'll be stuck forever! Tolls are necessary for those who need it every day.
I live and grew up in williamsburg but drove down to VA beach for school for three years. All the locals have the traffic down to a science and know when to go and when to wait.
Down in Tampa bay we have a similar situation with the three main bridges that connect Tampa to St. Pete and Clearwater. But I am always in awe whenever I see these bridges in their various stages of construction. I only ever use them maybe 3-4 times a year and see their progress everytime I use them.
Since I’m from around the area I’ve driven through this tunnel many times, there’s always some sort of traffic in this tunnel, hopefully this mega project fixes the issue
The way u said Norfolk pissed me off so bad 😮💨
Team Nor-fuk checking in
Better than Noffick or nawfuck, the way most people pronounce it around here.
Live in Chesterfield County & frequent the Peninsula. Haven't traveled the tunnel route in years. Come in via SR460 instead. Slower, but very little stopping until right at Norfolk city limits
Navy orders to VA is like getting VD. Once you get it, it's difficult to impossible to get rid of it. In most cases, you just have to live with it.
20 years retired Navy and I'm reluctant to this day to deliver military freight to the Chesapeake atea
Lived in Virginia Beach for 16 years. As for light rail the cities not cooperate with the plan that started in Norfolk. They have received alot of revenue with the light rail currently installed and have expanded the service throughout norfolk. The neighboring cities have done nothing but resist the light rail instead of helping to expand it.
Accurate. Don't forget about the ODU monorail that never got used.
@ i remember ODU got alot of I guess they called it "research money" for the origional monorail design. Kindof like the 64 highway expansion up in newport news to williams burg. They started that before I got to VA (1992) Think they finished what 2010-12?
@@jonwatson1525 If I remember correctly, the citizens of Virginia Beach voted no for light rail. It wasn't just the the city council.
@ Having lived in both VAB and Norfolk, it was the people's choice in VAB to NOT have the light rail. It was the city council in Norfolk that voted for the light rail, not the people of Norfolk. Let the people choose. It's THEIR money after all.
That's true
50 states and foreigners driving in one little area. One driver will still figure out how to break down or run out of gas and block all 4 lanes lol. I-64 is something else.
You broke it down pretty good. I've been on this project for three years it's definitely a good challenge.
The Tidewater region, AKA Hampton Roads, would need to adopt a MEGA OVERHAUL of the infrastructure to incorporate mass transit, costing many times the cost of the NEW HRBT or any other bridge tunnel up river. I wonder if the critics did any research on costs to incorporate mass transit into Tidewater before criticizing the current project. I've lived on both sides of the HRBT for decades. It was way past due when it started.
I agree. I think a rail system from outside HR that could carry people to Norfolk Naval Base, Norfolk Naval shipyard, Newport News shipyard, carry people to Va Beach from say, Suffolk or further west. Get the shipyard cars off the road would be huge. In the summer, tourists flip out going through the tunnels...not sure how to fix how or why the slow down to a crawl. Then the people on their cell phones causing crashes, solve that as well.....but more lanes will be a huge benefit. Next project is to widen the 664 tunnel or MMBT...it gets backed up really bad as well.
@@jstone1211 As a teenager about 1970, I remember getting picked up while hitchhiking from Murfreesboro NC to VAB early in the morning. A large van carrying at least 9 people picked me up. They were going to work at he Newport News shipyard. A mass transit for such people outside of Tidewater might be feasible, but AFAIK no one has carried out such studies. Let's see what that might cost B4 we jump into funding such things.
@@hifinsword I hear you, but I see the traffic everyday. I have traveled overseas and in other cities in the USA...a properly designed rail transit system would work....but a study should be done...
@@jstone1211 I lived in Japan for 3 years. You can set your watch on their rail line schedule. Where I lived was a continuous densely inhabited corridor from Yokosuka to Tokyo. We are much less densely populated here in Tidewater. Also Japan allows multiuse zoning with homes tucked in with businesses, something very rare in Virginia. You can get about anything you need within walking distance where I lived in Japan, except on the U.S. military bases and housing areas. When you can walk to get anything, you need here, I can see citizens supporting mass transit.
@@hifinsword I and I would guess most Americans would not want to live in such a contested space. I know I value my space and my yard....but I agree with your point...
I recall driving across this bridge as a child when it was on lane in each direction.
variable pricing means that the new elements are for people who can afford it, namely, rich people, and businesses that can deduct it from their taxes. You can see the same arrangement in the northern area of Virginia, where the main lanes are packed to the gills and the rich/desperate/business people get to use the high cost toll road.
Well, THIS billions of dollars to build a few more lanes will surely fix traffic. I mean, look at that animation by the people getting the billions: no more traffic!
@@PhilKulak you'll have to PAY to go around the traffic. This is nothing more than a money grab.
@@RICARD01 That comment is sarcastic my guy
@@ErikSeastead doesn't matter....mine still rings true
Some of us don't do well if traffic comes to a stop in the tunnels. They're so cool tho.
Driving through the tunnels with an altimeter set at zero feet above ground level before entering the tunnels makes for an interesting experience .
It should be criminal to put tolls on a taxpayer funded piece of infrastructure. I paid for it already.
No you didn't.
@@VaporheadATCwe all did
@@VaporheadATCDid you?
No they should be part of the tunnel E-ZPass because of all the people that don't live in Virginia that use the tunnel they could pay for the thing in just a couple years and it's not big a deal if it's like $0.50 or a dollar but then give discounts to a locals😊
that's Virginia for ya! They keep raising taxes for highway projects and when they're done, do the taxes dissappear? No, they raise taxes again AND put toll cameras on!
"If you build it, they will come". Cars will come and traffic congestion will eventually return. It's like if you buy a bigger house, your just going to acquire more stuff to fill it with because you have more space.
@@gregb.6799 the infrastructure has to grow ahead of or at least with population growth , if not we will be in the same shape as California ,( overloaded electrical lines causing wild fires )
When its complete , it'll only be 20years behind the times
You have to cuss when you say Norfolk ( Nor-fuck ) no “folk”. I know it’s spelled that way but trust me 😂
nor-fick is fine also
@ 🤣
As a regular tourist of the area, I can attest that this is true and residents of Hampton Roads will be quick to correct you on how to say it.
Funniest thing about listening to non-locals talk about my hometown!
My son kept asking why is he saying Norfolk like that…
Mary the drill needs a Fire Nation logo on it.
This was always a traffic issue from 6/8 am to 4/6 pm as well as the tunnel right beside it, Mara Mac, coming from nn was faster taking the bridge to Suffolk thn coming around to Chesapeake it was a longer route but faster because of no traffic
The only time to get through the tunnel easily is 6:30pm to 6:30am…
I named the HRBT "Satan's Colon" back in the mid 90s. It is (and will continue to be) a nightmare for commuters.
Traffic in the summer is absolutely awful there! Worse than LA!
The HRBT backs up everyday, no matter the season.
That's the TRUTH
As someone who has driven in LA a substantial amount, you are absolutely wrong. While traffic can be terrible at certain times, it is nowhere near LA levels.
Good video, but the way this guy pronounces Norfolk hurts the ears.
😂 Like nails on chalkboard. If you ever travel here and want to sound like a local, drop the "L". It's more like "Nor-fok" or if you want to sound real southern, "Naw-fok".
Oh my God I thought the same thing I started dating this girl about a year ago and she says it the same way lol I'm like it's not pronounced like that you tourist lol
Noor-folk 🤣🤣
😂😂😂
Yep, that’s the first thing I noticed too. I grew up in Chesapeake but now live in Roanoke and everyone here pronounces Norfolk wrong as well! 😉
In the same vein, I’ve since learned that the name of my adopted hometown is pronounced Rownoke by the locals, more or less skipping the “a” sound and syllable. I find these little quirks charming and a nice indication of each area’s distinctive personality.
Don't sleep on those 'variable' tolls. My friend in DC says his company has paid up to $65 each way and it goes to a private company in Australia so not all of that money goes back into infrastructure. Some if not most will feed a profit margin. Protest private management. If the government manages it then they are restricted to 7 percent overhead which will make the tolls cheaper and more of your dollars spent going towards upkeep and future projects.
It'd be 95 out, high humidity, and I'd be sitting in my '81 Celica with the heat blasting trying to keep it from overheating, sometimes for 2 hours waiting to get thru backup there. And cars over heating while waiting also and tow trucks trying to get thru. MM opening was great if going to OBX or Chesapeake but didnt help much for N/VB
When the tunnel is finished move the machine to the Virginia mountain and put a highway under the mountain instead of trying to drive over it. For trains and cars.
For mass transit to be effective in Hampton Roads, trains and buses would need to run 24 hours a day on a more frequent timetable. Last time I checked, they do not. Ridership does not support this extended schedule. Dedicated tunnels for trains would be ruinously expensive for the region. Rail and bus stations that connect with passenger ferries for the deep water crossings (shipping channels) might make it possible to consider. In my opinion, every bridge tunnel crossing in the region was obsolete or close to it when they were finally completed. I have lived in this area all my life and am old enough to remember the old James River Bridge (scary!!) before it was finally replaced.
Yep, it's the same issue everywhere. Critics of expanded highways always scream about mass transit but getting people to use it enough to matter and be self supporting is the real issue. In most areas outside of confined, large metro regions you end up spending more to build the system and then subsidize it to keep it running below break even capacity then would ever be spent of expanding highways. It's a nice idea but few areas of the country can make it work effectively.
Well done again and your voice is good for this....
From the area, I’m going to give some further context to this project.
The HRBT was first opened in 1957 as a solution to allow for more flexibility in people communing from the peninsula to the south side of Hampton Roads. Before this, a ferry service connected Downtown Newport News and Naval Station Norfolk. Two decades later, in 1976, a second tunnel was constructed allowing for separate travel lanes, east and west-bond.
This is not the ONLY way to commute from the peninsula. In 1928 a lift bridge was constructed between downtown Newport News and a then-rural area of Isle of Wight County. The current bridge was constructed in 1982. Then in the 1980s, a second bridge-tunnel complex was constructed connecting Downtown Newport News with the western edge of the metropolitan area, opening in 1992.
The current construction project was first proposed in the early 2000s following a further expansion in the strategic location and importance of the over dozen military insulation located across the Hampton Region. Especially following the War on Terror, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
This project is the “Halo” project for the area. Across the entire region, some $1-3 billion dollars worth of projects have been invested in expanding and improving the current interstate infrastructure in the region.
Also, this isn’t the only new tunnel bore happening. Across the bay, the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge tunnel is having its expansion of a new southern tunnel. Phase one of a multi-year project to expand that complex to allow for full two-way travel. Currently, the tunnel supports North and Southbound traffic. So the entire region may be the most well-invested non-major metropolitan area in the country.
Nice video and have subscribed. Look forward to seeing other videos.
The HRBT was a tough blow for downtown Newport News. It essentially cut them off from any viable access.
People will complain about the price If it helps to get people where they need to be quicker the money is well spent.
Have you considered the Boring Co?
The tolls are going to be a disaster. They've already trialed the express lanes on the south side and not many people use them... and the people that do seem to not understand that the speed limit is faster so they go 55 and it backs up because you can't pass. So the typical 5:00pm traffic will still back up 5 miles to Granby St (as it does every evening) with only a few people paying the surge toll to skip the line. As it has been proven time and time again, adding more lanes does *not* reduce traffic congestion.
Personally I'd just have a smaller toll for everyone going through. Don't know the background on why they didn't do it like that though.
That toll lane on on the 64 expansion through Indian River is a mess. They made it one lane, with a 65mph speed limit vice 60 in the free lanes, and folks will still jump in it and do 55-60. Of course since the only other driving space is a shoulder, it's illegal to pass. At that point I might as well have just stayed in traffic and saved my money.
Best video yet! Amazing content
757 bby
They should put effort into the light rail system! They should run it out to the oceanfront. They should run it back to Harborview. Then it would have enough patronage and be self-sustaining and to keep growing.
I watched the DC Metrorail system grow from a single short line to the massive system it is today. Hampton roads could have imitated that model with the light rail but politics got I the way.
Concerning those with the opinion that “why should there be tolls on a systems where all taxpayers footed the bill already?” This is most certainly an understandable objection.
Actually, the tolls would be a tremendous help to defray maintenance costs applied to upkeep/repairs of the tunnels.
I definitely do not want my tax dollars constantly being spent repairing tunnels that I do not use.
Get it? Let the locals and visitors pay for the bulk of that that!
The road to the tunnel dips, then a slight blind left turn, which naturally causes people to slow down before getting there. Horrible civil engineering…
@Ride1098 There are 5 tunnels/bridge tunnels in the Hampton Roads area. People slow down at every tunnel, no matter the design.
@ true, but the hrbt is for sure, the worst.
There was a joke list of ways you could tell someone came from Hampton Roads. The relevant point: he or she doesn't slow down for tunnels.
Make this make sense you add 2 lanes and put tolls on them. You now have the same problem.
I get what you're saying and thinking but with family in Orlando and Atlanta where they have similar arrangements a lot of people gladly pay the tolls to try and avoid traffic. Some days even the toll lanes are slow because of heavy traffic.
Traffic in this tunnel was bad 35 years ago when I lived in Richmond and would go to the beach on weekends, and if there was a wreck...be prepared to sit for a while
Thus why I take 460 and risk the speed traps.
MY HOMETOWN, THE 757!!
Real talk, this project was badly needed. I can’t wait until it gets finished but i love seeing the progress each time I visit home. 🐧
Mine too!!
I miss that area. I was stationed there (Langley) when I was a young lad. Lots of good memories.
This is why I take the high rise
What are you talking about?
@ the high rise. Why I take it.
funny watching videos of the tunnel knowing ive gone 120+ through it on my motorcycle lol
Low key i blocked the current tunnel with my 1985 vanagon
Generally, people take the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT), *NOT* the HRBT when going to Nags Head and such. I am mixed on the upgrade because, as said in the video, research is indicating when drive times are reduced, people tend to commute from further out. Thus, the traffic goes back to square one. I believe it was in Houston, they actually removed an interstate and the traffic was bad so people stopped driving. It was more due to people not commuting from as far out, not because of buses, metro's, etc.
The difference between the MMMBT and HRBT is one minute if there isn't any traffic. But the HRBT is always backed up, so more people use the MMMBT. Plus, plenty of people are just going to Virginia Beach.
The HRBT backs up every morning and every afternoon significantly. It needed help.
Correct that most people who travel to the OBX use the MMMBT.
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The problem isn't the tunnel or lanes it's the idiots that slow down once they get to the tunnel. After you get through the tunnel there's no more traffic. Idiots need to learn to maintain speed going through the tunnel.
Born an raised in newport news i don't care how many tunnels the state build the traffic will stay the same slow drivers accidents all day slowing the flow of traffic down god I hate it
Another great video!
I can't stop watching!!!!!!
Wait I’ve paid for this with taxes, now you’re gonna toll it! Hahahahaha awesome
@jamescole2093 yup. They've been looking to redo tolls since they deleted the I264 ones in VB decades ago.
Oh! But the state wanted the lottery. Remember it was to pay for roads and schools. Yeah right , crooks!!
64 drops down two lanes, before the bridge. If the bottle neck is not addresed.there still be issues.
Good to point that out! It's true.
Who is the consulting engineering firm for this?
Tolled HoV lanes don’t deter congestion they add to it. It would be a shame if 4BN was wasted like they did on the treakle bridge/64 expansion
There's another video explaining that the Norfolk Tide has lower ridership than expected because it was poorly-executed.
The Tide is a great example of how having all these cities instead of a single metro area has hampered any efforts to make this area flourish. VB always wants "whats best for the oceanfront (not necessarily for the rest of VB)" and has said no to every single project they didn't come up with. Portsmouth had a great opportunity to utilize the existing Midtown tunnel tube for a light rail transit into Norfolk and just add a second new tunnel, but balked, and now they have lost more money than likely would have been spent due to people not wanting to spend the tolls to cross the Downtown or Midtown tunnels. That line could have extended clear into North Suffolk if had been executed correctly. Also, Norfolk missed the opportunity to run a line to the base. If you could have lived in Suffolk and taken the train straight to the Naval base, you could have cut out probably 5-10% of traffic on the MLK expressway and 664 to Bowers Hill. Not to mention, Chesapeake being able to connect Western Branch with the rest of the city. The only area that would have likely suffered from a Tidewater-wide rail system would have been Isle of Wight, because it would have pushed even more people out that way, and the roads there can't take the massive overdevelopment their suffering with right now.
64W: 6 mile back up to Granby St exit
EVERY. SINGLE. WEEKDAY!!!!
From about 3:00PM through 7:00PM that stretch is a parking lot.
This expansion will relieve traffic in Hampton Roads for decades to come!
Nice video!
Anyone in disagreement with this expansion needs to ask themselves one question: how would a family going to the beach for a week’s vacation do it without a car?
You act like people don’t already go to the beach for a weeks vacation without a car
People fly into airports and rent cars and drive to the beach. If there was transit people could use it to go to the beach.
Train or bus
amtrak has regular services, greyhound has services, and then you have well the car and the regional transportation system.
wanna get to the beaches and you don't have a car? greyhound bus ride or amtrak, depending on which service is available.
if you have a car, then you'd have the option of either having a car, or using amtrak or greyhound/flixbus.
Furthermore, the biggest cause of the congestion is daily commuters. If there was good convenient public transit, I would gladly take it instead of having to get stuck in traffic every day, Yes I live in the area and need to cross the tunnel twice/day, along with tens of thousands others.
He said I 64 runs south. Its east and west technically
I wish they would invest this much in public transit.
This IS public transit
@@vdivanov No it is not. You need a private automobile to use it.
The area outside a small core is suburban sprawl. It needs to densify to make public transportation worth it.
Right now people are still going to need a car to get to and from stations.
@@emesssea We can do both at the same time. Transit isn't built overnight. And by building even more car centric infrastructure aren't you just encouraging more sprawl?
@@Michael-rr7um They actually are doing both at the same time. Have you looked into the Transforming Rail in VA project? It also has a several billion dollar price tag.
I have driven in that old tunnel and it reminds me of the Harbor Tunnel in Baltimore. Same look same small indicator green lights for the lanes. 😅
Bad traffic heading back to Williamsburg from Norfolk
Wth has been going on? I went to college down there 1999 and it was always work being done on that tunnel. I’m 43 yo now. You mean to tell me they still working on that damn tunnel? Omg
Live in the area and it’s pronounced “Nor-fuck”. Nor-folk is when you know they’re not from around here 😂
"We can solve it. Just one more lane. I swear, this time it will work!"
I'm local. No one here is excited about this. We all know it will only INCREASE traffic, as every "widening" project does. And even MORE tolls to deal with, after our taxes have already drained us dry.
We need more telecommuting, not more lanes.
PS - the Norfolk light rail loses money with each and every rider, just as EVERY light rail system in the US does. Of COURSE the neighboring cities don't want it. Why go into debt to have the nasty, dangerous New York City subway experience when you can simply watch it, safely, on TH-cam?
It's Tidewater or Hampton Roads, no one has EVER refereed to it being the 7 Cities Region. And we pronounce Norfolk as NawFuk.
I have most definitely heard it be called "the seven cities"
I live in Norfolk, I and most people I know pronounce it "Nor-fuk"
This will make traffic worse in the long term.
Just one more lane bro...
The ONLY way to reduce traffic is investing in alternatives to driving
shame Boring company couldn't do this project!
Very informative! That area needs a lot of help with traffic. Light rail would help, tremendously, as well.
Yes, need to decrease the cars on our roadways. Ridiculous there is no rail system to the beach after all these years.
@@LIWYMA City residents voted down the ~$1B Light Rail Expansion question (Newtown Rd to Oceanfront) in 2016. Instead, the city is planning to turn the old NS corridor into a mixed-use rail trail. The LR referendum was rejected for a few reasons: the taxpayers and city of VB would be mostly paying for it, but there was a widely-held perception that it wouldn't really benefit VB residents much (mostly people in Norfolk and tourists wanting to visit Town Center & the Oceanfront). Virginia Beach is geographically huge and covers a very large area -- the light rail runs along the old NS corridor along I-264, so it wouldn't have resulted in a significant amount of reduced traffic without building out additional lines and spurs to reach north & south into the city. I do think it could be successful -- but in order for people to actually want to use it, there would need to be additional North-South lines, and I personally don't think Virginia Beach is dense enough for the cost (both monetary and razing of buildings & homes) to be worthwhile.
I deal with this every day
Interesting subject matter, but I can't stand to watch because of all the quick cuts and camera movement.
Nor-fik or naw-fuk…not Nor-folk…but good video so far! Had to pause to correct the pronunciation 🤣. The expansion should be a game changer!
“NORE FOLK VIRGINIA” lmao you can always tell who isn’t from around here, and aren’t used to properly pronounce Norfolk. It’s pronounced either “Nawfuk” or “Norfuk”. Outsiders always pronounce it NorFOLK 😂
I wish there was a way to get across the river other than car. I wish they had a train
The nay-sayers consider this as only a local project, ignoring transient traffic.
It's the new BIG DIG
Not even close.
Wow! I live here. Thanks!
They make fairies you know a lot cheaper a lot more fun. Why does everybody have to be in such a damn hurry?
It's Nahfuk or Norfuk
Welp. Looks like its time to move to new places. This area has Cameras and Tolls everywhere. And, you can't talk to a judge to clear your name now when you need to talk about of any of the legal fees. Clearly they just want rich people here now. So its time to go or lose your license and your home. This expansion is because of nothing more than a sheer cash grab.
In depth video, helped me understand how anything costs $4 billion 😅
The reason is every one involved with these projects get a big chunk of the pie. I hope this project helps and it will for a while. Traffic increases every year will soon catch up to this costly roadway. You build it the traffic will always come it does every where.
Couldn't watch due to forced narration style
It’s pronounced Naw-fuk or Nor-fuk, for folks not from here. If you think you’re cussin’, you’re saying it right!
That’s not how we pronounce Norfolk
It will be more congested now because most of 64 has had a toll lane put in place of a 3rd lane. It has made getting to work a lot slower
Wendy's Pepsi at 0:28
kek, more cars stuck in the same spot
It's so stupid that funding an 8 lane highway project is no problem but funding rail projects is so restricted. Or just allocating more funding to make bus service sufficient.
I was looking for your type of comment. Even in this video, it was never actually said that heavy rail was a bad option. It seemed to infer the opposite. The short-sightedness of such projects never ceases to amaze me. SMBH
Rail is point to point. Roads can see people live in a million different points and use it to go to a million different points on the other side. Hate to say but cars will always be more flexible than a bunch of people going from suburb one in to downtown.
@@andyrob3259
rail is point to point yes, but rail gets a lot more people from point A to point B than a car. cars also use up more land space than rails. then there is induced demand, which happened within a year after TXDOT built the superwide katy freeway.
hate to break it to ya, but rail and buses will need to be utilized better, but that takes interstate corporation that neither the carolinas nor the state of Virginia is willing to do.
and brightline is not heading over to hampton roads or the carolinas anytime soon.
and i hate to break it to you, but induced demand will leave you stuck in traffic for years to come, even after this widing project is finished.
@@Zeakthecatyeah, but people don’t take trains! Period.
@@COASTER1921 it's because they can't toll the rails. .lol
Theyll finish by spring 2095.
so congestion problems won't go away even in the short term. the overwhelming majority of motorists hate tolls and will avoid them where possible. This lesson wasn't learned after they converted the HOV lane on I264 into a variable toll lane, worsening already annoying traffic congestion problems at the 264/64 interchange and on the stretch of 264 leading to the Indian River exit. the back-ups at the interchange, once an occasional occurrence, are now a DAILY occurrence thanks to this boneheaded move.
the bureaucrats have no perspective or common sense.