Published: November 06, 2008 08:29 pm            

I-77 tunnel rehab finally complete

BLAND, Va. — After more than two years of construction and countless delays for area motorists, a $16 million twin tunnel rehabilitation project in Bland County is finally complete.

The Interstate 77 East River Mountain and Big Walker Mountain tunnel rehabilitation projects are complete, Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Michelle Earl said. The project, which began in May 2006, was completed on time and within budget.

“They are still doing a little clean-up, but there won’t be any more lane closures,” Earl said. “The lane closures are over. There is just some minimal clean-up work for them to do. But for all intents and purposes, the project is over. We are pleased the project has come to a conclusion, and we are just thankful of the patience of the traveling public because we know there were delays.”

The project was the first major tunnel rehabilitation effort since the two tunnels were opened to traffic in the early 1970s. Earl said the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel opened on June 29, 1972. Crews started building it in October 1967. Earl said the East River Mountain Tunnel was opened on December 20, 1974.

During the two-year construction project, contractors cleaned all of the tunnel drainage systems; removed and replaced damaged wall tiles on more than 2,300 square feet of space inside the tubes; addressed tunnel leaks; removed and replaced the roadway curb tip throughout the tunnels; installed a new barrier wall through the East River Mountain tunnel; replaced a section of the Big Walker Mountain tunnel’s ceiling damaged due to a vehicle fire; repaired sections of concrete on the tunnel walls and sidewalls; and inspected and removed deteriorating concrete and ventilation duct openings.

“Much gratitude is owed to motorists who endured delays or altered their route during the project,” VDOT Bristol District Administrator Jim Givens said in a press release. “We also appreciate the efforts made by transport companies to detour around the tunnels when wide load restrictions were in place.”

The two-year old tunnel rehabilitation project was completed by Ft. Chiswell Construction Corp in Bluefield, Va. The project inspection services were provided by Rummell, Klepper & Kahl, LLP. of Richmond.

“VDOT’s contractor and project inspection team worked diligently to meet work schedules and made great efforts to avoid lane closures during high traffic volume times such as holidays and special events,” Givens said.

– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.