RELEASE: IMMEDIATE          

HRBTinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov

HAMPTON – As part of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project, Hampton Roads Connector Partners crews opened the second North Trestle bridge on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Motorists traveling west on Interstate 64 should expect a new traffic pattern when exiting the tunnel heading toward Hampton. Eastbound travel was not impacted by the shift.

The North Trestle eastbound bridge opened in May 2024, allowing crews to utilize the original bridge as a staging area for westbound construction. The new North Trestle westbound bridge was constructed in the confined space between the bridges constructed in 1957 and 1972. Innovative beam launcher technology aided in the placement of more than half of the girders needed to complete the new substructure without impacting adjacent travel lanes.



Reinforced with more than 2,000,000 pounds of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and standing 33 feet at its tallest point, the new structure is designed to minimize exposure to salt spray. Along with the rest of the facility, the new North Trestle has been engineered for a 100-year service life. The upgraded design also features modern expansion joints beneath the driving surface, allowing new bridge decks to more efficiently expand and contract with seasonal temperature changes.

The opening of the North Trestle westbound bridge marks the biggest milestone of the year to date and represents years of progress, including:

• 262 piles driven
• 185 girders installed
• 46 bent caps placed
• over 8,000 cubic yards of concrete poured

The opening will allow crews to demolish the two original structures. 2026 continues to be a significant year of progress for the HRBT Expansion Project. Crews have completed all new eastbound lanes and are continuing a series of landside westbound traffic shifts in Norfolk this summer.

Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs, and drive distraction-free. 

All construction schedules are pending weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Please check the project website's Traffic Alerts page for updates.

Motorists should expect delays or take alternate routes. As always, motorists are encouraged to slow down, eliminate distractions and pay careful attention while driving through construction zones. 

For additional travel alerts, motorists are encouraged to sign up for traffic alerts and project updates at HRBTexpansion.org, follow @HRBTExpansion on Twitter/X, visit 511virginia.org, call 511 or download the free Virginia 511 mobile app.

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