Called by locals, the Downtown Tunnel, it is also known as the Portsmouth-Norfolk Bridge Tunnel. The original tunnel was two lanes and now serves as the westbound tube (the eastbound tube opened in 1987). The original tunnel is 3,350 ft in length from entrance to exit and reaches a depth of 92 ft below lowest expected water level based on tide. In 1953, about 12,900 vehicles a day used the tunnel as compared to over 100,000 daily now. It is the busiest tunnel in Hampton Roads.
Elizabeth River Tunnel opened for operation.
May 23, 1952
Called by locals, the Downtown Tunnel, it is also known as the Portsmouth-Norfolk Bridge Tunnel. The original tunnel was two lanes and now serves as the westbound tube (the eastbound tube opened in 1987). The original tunnel is 3,350 ft in length from entrance to exit and reaches a depth of 92 ft below lowest expected water level based on tide. In 1953, about 12,900 vehicles a day used the tunnel as compared to over 100,000 daily now. It is the busiest tunnel in Hampton Roads.