HRBT is a three-and-a-half mile bridge-tunnel that runs between the cities of Hampton and Norfolk and connects the Peninsula and Southside Hampton Roads. During peak traffic season in the summer months, the bridge-tunnel transports over 100,000 vehicles per day, making this area one of the most congested in the state. The expansion will include replacement and/or improvement of over twenty-five bridge structures and will cover an area of 8,000ft across the Hampton Roads Waterway. 

To complete the project by late 2025, land and tunnel work will occur simultaneously with a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) method of Construction. Once completed, twin two-lane bored-tunnels will be built west of the existing eastbound and westbound tunnels. Each tunnel will be approximately forty-five feet, creating the second largest tunnel opening for a TBM in North America. Additionally, the landside highway will be widened one mile in Hampton and four miles in Norfolk.

HRBT Expansion is the fourth bored roadway tunnel project in the United States and the first in the state of Virginia. 

Once completed, HRBT will be able to accommodate many more vehicles, alleviating much of the current congestion. The expansion will also increase the safety of the bridge-tunnel and better support emergency evacuation readiness.