Proposed
Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Extension |
Area Map
Project map
Project at a Glance
What's Being Done
The Virginia Department of Transportation posted its answers to all questions received regarding the Solicitation for Conceptual Proposals (SFP) , along with an Addendum to the SFP on August 28, 2008. Click here to download.The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking Conceptual Proposals for the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Extension project from qualified and experienced respondents with finance, design, construction, operation and maintenance experience of highway facilities. VDOT is pursuing this project under the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995, as amended (PPTA). In accordance with VDOT policy, the solicitation will be posted for 120 days. Deadline: September 29, 2008, at 4 p.m. (prevailing local time)
Solicitation for Conceptual Proposals (PDF, 10 MB)
Questions and Answers (PDF, 97 KB)
Addendum (PDF, 8 MB)
Forms
- Certification Regarding Debarment Forms (34 KB)
- Resume Form (32 KB)
- Work History Form 1 (70 KB)
- Work History Form 2 (70 KB)
- Work History Form 3 (52 KB)
- Risk Register Form 1 (165 KB)
- Risk Register Form 2 (97 KB)
Project Information
Questions/clarifications regarding the SFP should be submitted to Raymond T. Partridge, Program Manager.
Marine Geotechnical Exploration and Subsurface Characterization
This update provides details of preliminary findings of the marine geotechnical subsurface exploration and environmental sampling and testing program in support of the proposed second parallel tunnel to the existing Midtown Tunnel, for additional information click here.
Midtown Tunnel
The Midtown Tunnel is located from the interchange of the MLK (US Route 58) and the Western Freeway in Portsmouth to Brambleton Avenue/Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk.
The project consists of modifications to the existing tunnel and construction of a new tunnel under the Elizabeth River, running parallel to the existing Midtown Tunnel.
This will provide for east-west travel, linking US Route 58 and the Western Freeway in Portsmouth to Brambleton Avenue/Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk.
Martin Luther King (MLK) Freeway Extension
The MLK Freeway Extension consists of extending the freeway south, with a new interchange at Interstate 264 (a four-lane, limited access freeway) to provide a direct connection from I-264 to the Midtown Tunnel between Portsmouth and Norfolk.
Downtown Tunnel
The Downtown Tunnel on I-264 crosses the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in the South Hampton Roads area. It links the City of Portsmouth with Norfolk.
Along with the Berkley Bridge, the Downtown Tunnel connects to Interstate 464 to Chesapeake and a continuation on I-264 to the downtown and Waterside areas of Norfolk, and on to Virginia Beach.
The project consists of modifications to the existing tunnel.
Project Updates
- VDOT issued a Request for Information Nov. 1, 2004.
- The response period closed Jan. 18, 2005.
- Three firms submitted a statement of interest on or before Jan. 18, 2005:
On July 29 and 30, 2008 VDOT conducted tours of the interior and mechanical systems of the Midtown and Downtown Tunnel facilities and the proposed MLK Freeway alignment. 
Attendees
Agenda and tunnel overview
Tunnel facts
What's Being Done
Route 58 - Martin Luther King Freeway Extension Environmental Assessment
VDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is currently conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Martin Luther King extension.
Through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, the project team, using input from local government, the public, and from various agencies, is evaluating the impacts of this extension.
Before the EA is completed, VDOT will hold a Location Public Hearing to afford the public and agencies a chance to review and comment on the document.
Upon completion and resolution of any issues, the EA will be signed by the FHWA. If no significant impacts are identified, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will then be issued by the FHWA.
Schedule for the Environmental Assessment
Activity and completion date:
- Notice to Proceed, March 26, 2007
- Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Evaluation approved by FHWA, April, 2008
- Cultural resource technical report (32 MB)
- Air technical report (473 KB)
- Noise technical report (1.75 MB)
- Cultural resource technical report (32 MB)
Study area map
Environmental Assessment Contact
Project Updates
VDOT has updated its Geotechnical Information System (GIS). It includes previous test boring logs for this project for the existing Midtown Tunnel, Brambleton Avenue and Hampton Boulevard interchange, proposed MLK Freeway Extension, the vicinity of the existing MLK Freeway and at each of the major interchanges/overpasses along I-264 between Portsmouth Boulevard and Elm Avenue.
Instructions to access VDOT's GIS database may be downloaded by clicking here.
