Portsmouth, Va. – Elizabeth River Tunnels crews are prepared for tonight’s forecasted winter weather conditions, officials say, and are mobilizing additional staff and equipment to help keep the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels and associated ramps and roadways safe for motorists.
Today, operations and maintenance staff will be monitoring road conditions and applying anti-icing materials to ERT-maintained assets, concentrating on bridges and associated ramps.
Beginning this evening, additional crews and safety service patrols will be on alert and will remain staffed throughout the storm’s duration.
Over 600 tons of salt and sand are on hand at ERT’s headquarters in Portsmouth to combat winter weather.
Additionally, due to the predicted drop in temperatures, the closure of the Route 58 South ramp to London Blvd. East heading to downtown Portsmouth has been postponed from Thursday, Jan. 23 to next week. Once implemented, the ramp closure will be in place for up to one year. Motorists are advised to follow the signed detour to navigate around the ramp closure.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor the weather and road conditions and to assess travel plans accordingly. For the latest road condition information at the Elizabeth River Tunnels and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, please call 511 or visit http://www.va511.com.
