A Healthy Underground Sector Faces Challenges

摘要

The existing Midtown Tunnel between Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., is a 50-year-old facility carrying a million vehicles a month. It is the most heavily traveled two-lane road east of the Mississippi and a vital link in the region. Since the tunnel was built, population has increased nearly 70% and tunnel usage has gone up by 600%. Additional capacity is needed, so a second tunnel in addition to the Martin Luther King Expressway (MLK) extension and other improvements are planned. Beyond the obvious benefit to motorists, the project not only will improve the region's economy, but also will add to the efficient movement of goods and services and the quality of life.