Panel seeks lower tolls on Midtown Tunnel project

By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 11, 2009

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.