Elizabeth River Tunnels
DriveERT is about connecting the communities of Norfolk and Portsmouth. The updated Midtown and Downtown tunnels and MLK Expressway bring safer, more efficient transportation to the region.
Improving connectivity between Norfolk and Portsmouth has been a top priority for the Hampton Roads region for many years. The Elizabeth River Tunnels project, managed by Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo, LLC along with the Virginia Department of Transportation, made crucial advancements to the Midtown and Downtown tunnels as well as the MLK Expressway. Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo, LLC continues to operate and maintain these facilities today.
In order to fund the project, VDOT and ERC OpCo, LLC entered into a 58-year public-private partnership (P3), which allowed the funding for the tunnels and road improvements to be provided in advance. This included a mandate that the funds would be paid back over several decades through the collection of tolls. Without this funding, the existing tunnels and roadways would have continued to deteriorate.
Travelers in the area save time by using the tunnels; also saving fuel and reducing gas emissions. Since the tunnels have been updated, Hampton Roads Transit has expanded service time and increased route frequency between Norfolk and Portsmouth. This encourages public transportation use and saves millions of dollars per year in travel time.
Roadway improvements and construction began in June 2012. Tolls began at the Midtown and Downtown tunnels on February 1, 2014 and will continue through April 13, 2070. By using E-ZPass, drivers pay the lowest tolls in the tunnels.
On December 30, 2020, ERC was aquired by Abertis and Manulife Investment Management. Through the consortium, Abertis holds 55.2% of the asset and Manulife holds the remaining 44.8%.