The Virginian-Pilot
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PORTSMOUTH
Reducing a projected $2 to $3 toll for cars remained the top priority for a panel that's vetting a private proposal to expand the Midtown Tunnel.
Other concerns were raised Wednesday night by the specially appointed independent review panel, including accommodating light rail, collecting tolls before the tunnel is open and funding maintenance.
After a meeting of more than three hours, the panel was restrained in its recommendations to state highway officials and was careful not to add to the project costs, which could drive up tolls.
Jeff Florin, Virginia Port Authority deputy director, urged the group to focus on the bottom line. "This is what happens to so many projects," he warned, saying costs grow so much they become unaffordable.
A consortium of private firms, Elizabeth River Crossings, wants to add a second tube to the Midtown Tunnel, refurbish the Downtown Tunnel and extend the Martin Luther King Freeway. Work would begin in 2011 and end in 2015. The $2 billion proposal includes car tolls of $2 to $3 and trucks tolls of $6 to $9, for both tunnels. It includes no public funding, but the Virginia Department of Transportation will review whether the state could contribute money to reduce the tolls.
The panel recommended that VDOT enter into an interim agreement with Elizabeth River Crossings so the scope and funding can be fully developed. That would include detailed analysis of toll rates.
"We believe very specific steps can be taken to bring the toll down," said Karl H. Reichelt, Skanska executive vice president. "We know the $1 to $1.50 range is the zone we need to hit."
The panel debated whether to have VDOT explore adding light rail to the new tunnel. It was pointed out the tube as proposed could accommodate trains, but approaches and ventilation would have to be altered, adding costs and time.
Michael Townes, Hampton Roads Transit president, said his agency has not determined if a Midtown route would make the most sense for extending the light rail. The agency just launched a study for extending it through Virginia Beach.
The panel was divided on seek federal permission to start collecting tolls before the work is finished.
"We would lose all good will" with tunnel users, said Mike Robinson, project scientist with the Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center.
The majority agreed to seek the permission.
Others were concerned about operation and maintenance, now done with tax dollars. The private group would assume those duties and use toll revenue. Some panelists said that's asking motorists to pay for the service twice.
Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com
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New tubes needed "Uptown" not in Midtown
I'd love to see an additional tube built at the Midtown tunnel. If the toll is more than a buck and a half, I'd never use it, but I think enough people would that it would help traffic at the Downtown more than it hurts.
But realistically, it's just not the smartest project for the money. If we're going to spend a few billion on a new tunnel, it should be the "Uptown" tunnel proposed as part of the Third Crossing. Connecting 564 to 164 and 664 would take port and base truck traffic off of city streets, allow traffic to divert from the HRBT to the MMBT or vice versa when either is backed up, and also act as an alternative all-highway crossing connecting Norfolk to Portsmouth in combination with the proposed MLK/264 connection. Build that, and you probably won't need to expand the Midtown for another 20 years.
Tolls
I am wondering if any of the Va State Lottery profits have been allocated to this project!!!!!
Toll Referendum
This decision on the placement of tolls on any of our tunnels needs to be voted on by the Virginia Taxpayers. It's time for our legislators to call for a "Referendum" on this matter.
Let the voters decide to have or not to have tolls. This decision should not be left to HRT, VDOT, Port Terminal Operators, out-of-state contractors, or by an European contractor.
It's time to bring "Politcal Power" back to the people.
Tolls on tunnels
When tolls are coming, I suggest to put tolls on HRBT & MMBT tunnels as well. If every vehicle passing through those main arteries had to pay $ 2-9 , there wouldn't be 8-10 mile backups everyday & esspecially weekends & holidays. Gas prices are already going up, I'm surprise nobody hasn't blame President Bush on that.
Tolls
Tolls in any amount will have a chilling effect on Hampton Roads. They will balknize the region and further impede regionalism. Does no one remember how fractured the region was when we had tolls on our bridges and tunnels a few years back? The public needs to rise up and let our representatives in Richmond know in absaolute terms that the Commonwealth must step up to its responsibility to provide adequately for transportation needs. All progress at the Port of Virginia is dependant on truck access to the rest of the state. Do we really want to put $6-$9 tolls on these trucks? Are we trying to send port business to our competitors to the north and south? Tourism is the other lifeblood of our economy. How many tourists will choose other destinations rather than pay $1-$3 tolls throughout the region? Come on, Virginia, wake up and lets adopt a state-wide solution to transportation issues. It't time for everyone to step up and see this for more than a regional issue. Adequate highways affect everyone in the Commonwealth. Tolls are not the answer and should be only a last resort.
Unfair
Tolls may have to help pay for these projects, this is true. But placing a toll on a tunnel years before any relief is offered is obscene. Especially when the public does not get to vote on the project or has any say in how the money is spent.
Don't Raise The Gas Tax
Why should I pay for you to use the tunnel? If you want to use the tunnel, then you pay for it. If it kills business', oh well. Better then killing my family by taking food out of my kids mouths.
why?
Maybe because you'll also be paying for decreased congestion, decreased fuel use, decreased pollution, etc. Decreasing traffic congestion will result in a better quality of life in the region.
I don't use that tunnel - never have - but I know that the benefits of easing congestion extend beyond the tunnel entrance.
Why set up a toll system?
Do you know how much it costs to set up a toll system, management of tolls and disbursement? Why not use the system that is already in place -- the GAS TAX. Just raise it. Just DO IT.
You put tolls on the tunnels again, and those of us in Portsmouth and Western Branch won't be hopping over to Norfolk or Virginia Beach for lunch, dinner or a quick shopping trip. Tolls will affect business. Gas tax will not.
Pay up!
Come on folks! Quit whining! Go back and look at a local map from the late 60's or early 70's. Every bridge and tunnel in the area had a toll. The Mid-town tunnel was $0.40 each way. Equate that to todays dollar and you will see that $2.00 is not unreasonable. Perhaps it will make people think about their trips before they just jump in line at the tunnels.