Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, one of the world’s largest bridge-tunnel systems and recognized as one of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World, spans 23 miles along U.S. Route 13. Since its opening in 1964, it has served as a critical connection between Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Hampton Roads region.

In 2019, our team began a major multi-year effort to restore and enhance this iconic structure. As experienced asphalt paving contractors working on one of the most complex bridge environments in the nation, the project included 13.2 miles of milling, two lifts of new asphalt paving totaling 26.4 miles, and extensive bridge deck rehabilitation and joint repair. The existing pavement was milled down to the bridge decks and replaced with high-performance asphalt sourced from our Chesapeake Asphalt Plant.

Our milling crews removed 4 to 4.5 inches of aging asphalt while protecting the elastomeric layer beneath, a critical component of the bridge’s structural system. Where milling exposed concrete or rebar deficiencies, our team performed targeted repairs to restore long-term durability.

Safety remained a top priority throughout the project. Crews worked within tight bridge deck work zones, active traffic, and elevations ranging from 40 to 75 feet above the water, requiring careful planning and coordination.

The completed project improved the driving experience with our team enhancing bridge smoothness by 60%, extending the life of this significant transportation corridor.