HRBT Expansion Project Featured at 2022 Governor's Transportation Conference |
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We were proud to see the HRBT Expansion Project featured at the 2022 Virginia Governor's Transportation Conference, which was held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on October 26-28. The event attracted more than 1,000 professionals from the transportation/ infrastructure industry, who came to Hampton Roads from around the state and beyond to network, exchange ideas and discuss key transportation issues.
Among notable guest speakers and exhibitors at the conference were Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller, and ours truly, “Mary, the Tunnel Boring Machine.” Mary took center stage as attendees lined up to learn more about the tunnel building process and the complex mechanical systems along her 430-foot length. The conference also featured a HRBT update presentation with a project overview, progress photos and a comprehensive timeline of project milestones.
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Members of the Virginia Legislature and members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board also joined us for a tour of project site at the HRBT South Island, where they viewed project progress firsthand. |
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Making Headway with the Headwall |
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The massive east headwall in the South Island launch shaft is now complete, and the 46-foot external ring at the start of the new tunnel was recently bolted onto the headwall. Next steps include placing and assembling the front shield of the TBM in its support cradle at the base of the launch shaft.
As we look forward to Mary starting her journey next year, please take time and stay safe in your own journeys around the region and keep especially alert for fellow road users amidst the additional traffic of the holiday season.
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HRCP Construction Update: New Sound Wall Construction Underway |
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Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP) crews are working along I-64 east in Norfolk, between W. Bay Avenue and W. Evans Street, to erect new ground mounted sound walls.
The previous sound wall in this area was taken down early in the construction project to allow crews to prepare the area for the widening of the interstate and bridges to accommodate new eastbound travel lanes. With that highway widening preparation work now completed, a new sound wall is being constructed.
In the picture, we see a decorative concrete sound wall panel being lowered into position within a galvanized steel post frame. The panels, made of precast concrete containing a sound absorbing material, are typically 24-feet wide by 8-feet tall, and 9-inches thick.
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A total of 220 precast panels and 69 galvanized steel posts are being used in this area (between W. Bay Avenue and W. Evans Street) to construct the new sound wall.
As roadway and bridge widening work along I-64 East in Norfolk advances, additional ground mounted and structure mounted sound walls will be erected from W. Evans Street to Mason Creek Bridge.
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North Island (Hampton side) |
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Drone View of North Island Bridge Installation |
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Aerial View of North Island Receiving Pit |
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South Island (Norfolk side) |
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Drone View of South Island Work |
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Installation of rebar for headwall pour |
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Heavy-lift crane for installing TBM shield segments, with TBM screw conveyor at right |
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External ring for headwall |
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Lights, Camera, Expansion! Project Progress Photos |
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Interested in the daily activity at the HRBT Expansion Project? Wondering about the widening? Excited about the expansion? Now available on the HRBT Expansion website, citizens can view images from the project cameras located throughout the project corridor. |
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65th Anniversary of the HRBT |
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November 1, 2022, marked the 65th Anniversary of the opening the first Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (current westbound tunnel). The HRBT Expansion Project took to social media to highlight aspects of the tunnel then and now. Below are some of the posts and photos featuring facts, figures, and novel information about the HRBT.
In 1957, the HRBT was the first tunnel in the world to be built between man-made islands. Created to increase access and decrease travel time between the Peninsula and the Southside, today’s expansion project is once again a modern marvel with the advent of TBM tunneling in Hampton Roads as one of the world’s first bored tunnels between man-made islands.
Who’s retiring at 65? Not the HRBT! CLICK HERE for an interactive timeline of the expansion process.
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Kayla Jones, HRCP Engineer at
Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, VA
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Tour of the South Island with VDOT leadership,
City of Hampton Officials and
President of Hampton University
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Spotlight: SWaMs of Steel |
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Research has shown that small businesses drive the U.S. economy and keep the American dream alive. The HRBT Expansion Project makes it a priority to recruit, train (as needed), and ultimately retain Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Women and Minority (SWaM) businesses for the project. Featured below are two SWaM businesses that have not only benefited significantly from the opportunity; they have also advanced the overall success of the project’s DBE/SWaM goals. |
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“Don’t be scared to think outside of the box of your business. And don’t take no as the final answer.” It was this growth mindset that set Jennifer Frickman on a path do the uncommon; create a joint venture between her company, Rod Busters, Inc., and another company, Majk Steel, Inc.
Together, these two SWaM companies formed a joint venture (JV), United Steel, to handle most of the rebar work for the HRBT Expansion Project. “While somewhat unprecedented, it is an example of innovative best practices,” said Malcolm Kates, DBE/SWaM Compliance Manager. “Partnerships like this help small businesses win bids on major projects that they may not have otherwise secured alone.” Both companies in the JV are based in Hampton Roads. Frickman was born and raised in the region, traveling across the HRBT for decades. “Being a part of changing the landscape of the region and increasing capacity is exciting,” said Frickman.
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While the creation of the JV was a smart business move for both companies, the partnership does not come without its unique set of challenges. A different level of administration is required for a JV vs. a stand-alone business. Frickman praised the project and key team members like Malcolm Kates, HRCP’s DBE/SWaM Compliance Manager, for the training and support. The partnership with project personnel allows businesses like United Steel to work across the various segments of the project to make sure they can avoid “tunnel vision” in their specific area. According to Frickman, that type of support and advocacy for SWaMs provides continuity with other areas of the project. |
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Designating SWaM participation goals allows mega projects like the HRBT Expansion to provide business opportunities to SWaMs that may not have been available, due to their capacity. It's SWaMs like Metals of Distinction that shine a spotlight on these opportunities and goals.
What started out as a small welding contract with HRCP eventually turned into an opportunity for owner Andre Gilliam and his family to significantly grow their firm. Family owned since 1969, Metals of Distinction has been providing welding services for decades. From the Monitor Merrimac to the Norfolk Naval base, their work can be seen across the region, and it is truly a family affair. Gilliam’s daughter Ashley works as a fabricator, and his wife LaWanda is the company administrator.
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As a small business, Andre recalls the early years being either “feast or famine.” It wasn’t until Andre left his fulltime job to join the family business permanently that revenue became more constant. Their initial work on the HRBT Expansion Project allowed the company to show their capabilities, which led to an increase in contract awards. “It moved beyond helping a business grow, to accumulating wealth. That’s a SWaM success story,” said Malcolm Kates. When asked what contributes to their success, Gilliam attributes it to the quality of their work, building strong relationships and being prepared for the opportunity. According to Gilliam, “That is when success is inevitable.” |
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Earlier this fall, the HRBT Expansion Project team hosted a BrickMaster/Lego Contest for project team members. The goal? Create a structure related to the project. The challenge? Submissions could incorporate no more than 30 Lego blocks. The contest was no small feat for project personnel, but many seasoned builders took on the challenge. Submissions included items such as the thrust frame, the tunnel boring machine, heavy equipment and more. The winner? A replica of “Mary, the Tunnel Boring Machine.”
Congratulations to George Mankarous, Engineer with Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP), winner of the BrickMaster/Lego Contest. His winning entry entitled “Lavenia, The TBM” was named in honor of his daughter, Lavenia, who helped him design and build (a true design-build project!) the lego model.
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Pictured above: George Mankarous and daughter, Lavenia |
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Get In the Know, and Then Go! |
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Sign Up To Receive Updates! |
Sign up for the HRBT Expansion Project Alerts to get weekly updates on traffic and construction impacts. Perfect way to “know before you go!”
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The HRBT Expansion Project team is committed to staying connected with the region for the life of the project. Like, join, follow, or tweet about the project on our social media channels. |
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