Supplemental Environmental Impact Study
Regional traffic congestion is seen every day in Hampton Roads. The Virginia Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and others have begun work on a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to reevaluate the Hampton Roads Crossing Study. The Study is being updated as the first step in a regional mega-project
aimed at reducing congestion on the region’s major water crossings, the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Monitor Merrimack Memorial Bridge Tunnel. This project is expected to include multiple bridge tunnel expansions over the coming decades. A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement was published on Friday, August 5th at
http://hamptonroadscrossingstudy.org/ and is available in hardcopy to review at the Main Street Library in Newport News. The public is encouraged to provide their input
online, via
email, or in writing . The public comment period will end on September 15.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Transportation will host two location public hearings, the first on September 7th at the Hampton Roads Convention Center and second on September 8th at the Lake Wright Quality Suites in Norfolk.
As part of the public outreach VDOT is sending comment cards to all mail recipients within the study area. In Newport News, cards will be sent to all postal addresses in the 23607 zip code requesting citizen input on the locally preferred crossing alternative.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board will consider the public comments and select an alternative by the end of 2016.