Elizabeth River Tunnels

Virginia’s underwater tunnel requires highly specialized quality control expertise

• Tunnel is second of its type in United States
• Right team means less rework and disruption, greater owner and public satisfaction
• Project will save drivers 30 minutes a day

HNTB is providing construction quality control services as part of the design-build contract for the Elizabeth River Tunnels public-private partnership project in Norfolk, Virginia.

A component of the project, the new Midtown Tunnel is an all-concrete, immersed-tube tunnel adjacent to the 50-year old Midtown Tunnel. It is only the second project of this type in the U.S. and the first in similar size and complexity.

HNTB developed the project’s quality manual and construction quality manual plan. The firm also handled documentation, work plan and constructability reviews, soil tests and material approval.

HNTB identified and addressed potential issues before complications arose, minimizing project rework, cost and disruption to the public while maximizing owner satisfaction.

The new Midtown Tunnel will eliminate two-way traffic in existing tunnels, extend the adjoining freeway, improve connecting interchanges and save drivers 30 minutes a day in travel time.