When looking at the “scariest” bridges in North America, the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel (otherwise known as CBBT) may be considered an example of one! Though the bridge is yet to be the setting for a spooky ghost story of intriguing mystery, it's still "spooky" in some aspects. Particularly, the bridge's eeriness is due to its massive size. Furthermore, some commuters may find the lanes a tad narrow. However, once drivers overcome this challenge, the views from the CBBT can be stunningly remarkable.
Furthermore, some drivers even enjoy the commute across the world-famous bridge!
Besides its remarkable views and architectural marvel, this iconic bridge harbors some interesting facts. Delve into some unique facts about the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel!
10 It Has An Official Name!
Though it’s common to refer to this iconic bridge as the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel (or simply, Bridge Tunnel), the landmark’s official name is the Lucius J. Kellam Jr. Bridge Tunnel. It was named after Lucius James Kellam Jr., the first Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel, in 1954. Mr. Kellam was credited as an invaluable guide to the construction of the bridge that many people recognize today.
9 It Took 89 Months To Build
The Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel is a giant piece of architecture that spans almost 20 miles and connects Virginia Beach, Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and Norfolk. Thus, it’s no surprise—though still impressive to know—that the bridge took approximately 89 months (or about 7.5 years) to construct! Specifically, its northbound portion took 42 months to completion (which began in 1960), while its southbound area took four months longer at 46 months.
8 No Tax Dollars Were Used To Build The Bridge
It’s common for locals of cities to shell out money—in the form of taxes—to fund city projects. However, builders of the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel boast that the bridge was not built using taxpayers’ money at all! Instead, through the sale of revenue bonds, the project’s $450,000,000 price tag was financed.
7 It’s A Habitat For Birds
Despite experiencing daily traffic, the concrete bridge is an attractive habitat and bird nesting site. Bird species migrating along the Atlantic Flyway often find a home on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel, prompting the attraction of bird watchers from far and wide. Therefore, it’s common to spot species like the black-tailed gull, harlequin ducks, kind eiders, and the American white pelican while traveling along the bridge.
6 A Second Tunnel Is Being Constructed
To carry more traffic in both directions, there are plans to add an additional tunnel to the bridge through the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel project. Being the first of its kind to be constructed in the Mid-Atlantic region, this second tunnel will be funded by various loans, funds, and sales from revenue bonds.
5 “Chessie” Will Build The Bridge’s Second Tunnel
A tunnel boring machine—or a TBM—will be required to build the second tunnel. Undoubtedly a powerful tool, the TBM was affectionately given the name “Chessie” by local 6th-grade students as part of the CBBT tradition. Manufactured in Germany, Chessie is a giant machine comprised of various conveyor belts, cables, and floor levels!
4 It Can Get Pretty Windy
Catching the ocean breeze is never a bad thing…unless it impacts one’s driving conditions. During particular wind speeds, the CBBT implements certain restrictions on the bridge and the vehicles permitted to cross. For instance, vehicles must drive—and not pass other cars—at a speed limit of 45 mph during wind speeds of 35 mph. Alternatively, the bridge is closed when winds reach a peak of 60 mph.
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NOTE: Check the current weather and any status delays of the bridge before making one’s way to the CBBT. Due to the changing weather, restrictions and delays on the bridge can happen at any moment. |
3 There Is A Drive-Across Service For All!
Driving along a massive bridge can be intimidating and overwhelming; Thankfully, the CBBT recognizes this plight affecting many commuters. As a result, the commission offers a drive-across service for travelers wary of driving along the bridge! Commuters will only have to pay the one-way toll for this scheduled service.
2 It Makes For Great Photos
Though drivers cannot stop anywhere along the bridge to take photos, there are emergency pull-offs at several points along the bridge. Otherwise, those wishing to take a nice shot of the bridge can do so along the side of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This location is a popular spot for taking show-stopping photos of the bridge!
1 It Connects Travelers To Virginia’s Attractions
The bridge not only saves drivers the long commute but also connects visitors to some of Virginia’s most popular and stunning attractions! Travelers craving picturesque views of the ocean don’t have to travel far when embarking on the CBBT. This bridge can commuters to coastal towns like Suffolk, Williamsburg, Norfolk, and the bustle of the popular Virginia Beach!