NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Both lanes of the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel have reopened.
The Virginia Department of Transportation says westbound traffic was still backed up nine miles after the second lane reopened at 7:38 p.m. Both lanes had been shut down at 6:30 a.m., and one lane was reopened at 2:15 p.m.
VDOT closed the tube after a faulty pump left 4 inches of water on the pavement. The closure caused massive traffic backups throughout the day in the region.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fram said the problem was a direct result of legislative inaction on transportation funding. He said, "Had this occurred during an evacuation caused by an impending hurricane or major storm, I shudder to think of the consequences."
VDOT said single lanes will be closedovernight Friday for additional work. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes during those closures, from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)