Bridge-Tunnel project to ‘exacerbate’ traffic woes
VDOT advises locals of longer commutes when the construction begins
HAMPTON — When the state locked down in the spring, traffic eased somewhat in Hampton, particularly on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
But last weekend when the Virginia Department of Transportation shut down the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel for repaving, the domino effect from the closure turned Woodland Road into a traffic nightmare.
It was, Hampton officials worry, a preview of what could happen when more intensive work begins on expanding the HRBT.
“We already know with the HRBT we have a capacity issue with traffic on (Interstate) 64,” said Christopher Hall, the district engineer with VDOT. “With COVID ... we were 10% below travel. We anticipate those peak traffic patterns to pick back up. We were reminded last week what this looks like when we shut down the Monitor-Merrimac.”
With construction set to begin on the $3.8 billion expansion of the HRBT, Hampton’s traffic congestion problem “will likely exacerbate,” during the length of the project, according to a report Hall gave the Hampton City Council on Wednesday.
The expansion will add twin two-lane tunnels and high-occupancy toll lanes in each direction. The contract mandates that the bridge-tunnel maintain normal capacity, Hall said.
During peak hours daily from 5 a.m. through 9 a.m. and between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. the backup on I-64 in Hampton usually persuades some motorists to leave the inter
“We are really, really hoping for you to help us. When people find it so inconvenient to come off the interstate, they will stay on it.”
— Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck
state and cut through city neighborhoods as a bypass, especially through Phoebus and downtown Hampton.
The resulting backups spill over into other streets, clogging the Mercury Boulevard corridor, approaches from Settlers Landing Road and as far west as LaSalle Avenue.
“They are using almost every road we have,” Mayor Donnie Tuck said.
Hall also gave an update on a $184,000 traffic study VDOT is doing on major arteries in Hampton — Mercury Boulevard, Armistead Avenue, LaSalle Avenue, Settlers Landing Road and Mallory Street — and the impact from adding the express
lanes on I-64. The final report is expected later this fall.
The hope is when the expansion is completed by 2025, drivers will be less likely to exit the interstate into Hampton and re-enter the interstate at another point, Hall’s presentation stated.
That’s not soon enough for Hampton. The city proposed other remedies to act upon sooner, which haven’t gained much traction with VDOT.
A plan to set up metered ramps that would act like a signal to help regulate traffic flow onto the interstate is too costly — $1. 2 million — VDOT says, and would take up to a year and a half to install. It would interfere with the timing of construction and is not worth the investment, Hall said.
Hampton also has proposed closing the eastbound entrance ramp at the Mallory Street exit
— a notorious bottleneck — to alleviate the traffic headache happening at the Hampton VA Medical Center, Hampton University and into Phoebus during the afternoon rush hour.
It’s similar to a ramp gate at the Ocean View and 15th View juncture in Norfolk, but it requires approval from the Federal Highway Administration, Hall said.
“Obviously, that is a doubleedged sword,” he said. “There are consequences both ways because if you close it that means many of local people can’t have access.”
Tuck also wants VDOT to look at traffic on Pembroke Avenue and Eaton Street, which are trouble spots when the HRBT backs up.
Hall offered a few alternative strategies, such as using model
ing data as an analytical tool, improving communication with changeable portable signs and static signs, using timed turn restrictions, local traffic restrictions and clearing up accidents sooner.
In the past year, Hampton has hatched numerous ideas within its own power to help regulate traffic, including bollards along Settlers Landing Road, increased traffic enforcement, added no-turn signs and fines for blocking the box.
But some things they can’t enforce, especially when people make illegal turns and U-turns, or use “direction apps,” Tuck said.
Besides fielding complaints from customers and businesses in Phoebus, Tuck is concerned people moving into the new Monroe Gates apartments coming on Mallory Street won’t be able get into their homes quickly.
“All those things we are going to mitigate the best we can,” Tuck said. “We are really, really looking for you to help us. When people find it so inconvenient to come off the interstate, they will stay on it.”