The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

If you are a fan of bridges, why not check out the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on your next trip through Virginia? Opened on April 15, 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel quickly became one of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World.

A series of bridges and tunnels connect Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia to the Virginia Eastern Shore. Four man-made islands act as portals for the bridge-tunnel. The route is said to take 95 miles and an hour and a half off the total drive time from New York to Virginia Beach/Norfolk.

Although the one-way toll of $12 is charged at either end, cars making a return trip within 24 hours are charged only $5 for the return fare. Higher tolls apply to oversize vehicles and cars that are towing trailers.

The bridge-tunnel traverses the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Seagulls are especially common in this area, and can occasionally be seen keeping pace with the traveling vehicles. Fishing boats and ships of all kinds can also be seen from the bridge portions.

Those who wish to stop and rest, eat or simply take in the view will find a cafeteria and gift shop three and a half miles from Virginia Beach on the manmade Sea Gull Island.

A major expansion and upgrade project was completed on the bridge portions in 1999 at a cost of approximately $217 million. An estimated $900 million expansion to the tunnel portions was postponed indefinitely in 2005.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an unusual system that offers breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay. If you are a bridge fan or a nature lover, consider this unique means of traveling between the Northeast and Southeast on your next road trip in your Certified Mercedes.

Filed Under: Certified Mercedes-Benz