NORFOLK, Va. — Every month, more than 3 million vehicles cross the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
Getting stuck in tunnel traffic can be a nightmare.
That’s what happened Wednesday after eight vehicles crashed in the HRBT. The wreck caused traffic delays for several hours.
Moses Higgs, a Hampton resident said the HRBT makes him nervous.
“When I go across, I just see that a lot can happen. A lot of cars, congestion, especially during shipyard hours,” said Higgs. “I just don’t go across there. Unless I have to... and still, I'm praying, hey!
Like many drivers, he’s afraid of getting stuck inside of a tunnel. If it ever happens, VDOT crews urge drivers to stay inside of their vehicles unless an authorized person asks you to do otherwise. The walkways along the side of tunnels are only for authorized workers.
Holly Christopher, a communications manager for VDOT said if drivers are not in an emergency situation or being asked to evacuate, they should stay inside of their vehicles.
“What we would like them to know is sit tight and stay calm, we understand that it’s a nervous situation, but we see you, and help is on the way,” said Christopher.
That help includes using technology to monitor tunnel traffic at all times. Christopher said crews are always on standby, ready to respond in collaboration with Virginia State Police and fire departments.
And standing by- ready to respond.
“We have teams of people who are incident response teams and they train extensively with first responders and Virginia State Police for incidents just like this,” said Christopher.
One driver, Janay Degraff said she hopes she’ll never have to deal with getting stuck inside of a tunnel.
“That is my worst nightmare, cause the tunnel itself is scary. You’re closed in, there’s nowhere to go,” said Degraff.
The mom of two said staying calm while trapped in tunnel traffic would be difficult.
“I can’t, especially with my kids in the car. I can’t imagine,” said Degraff.
VDOT’s goal is to make sure those who drive across the water will safely make it through.
Christopher said drivers handled Wednesday’s situation well. For the most part, drivers stayed inside of their vehicles, and that allowed crews to get traffic under control much quicker.