For decades, they have carried the strain of mountains on their backs — literally. Now, a much-needed facelift has revived the Interstate 77 twin tunnels that provide safe passage for thousands of travelers each day.
More than two years ago, the Virginia Department of Transportation began a $16 million rehabilitation project on the East River Mountain and Big Walker Mountain tunnels in Bland County, Va. It was the first major overhaul of the tunnels since they were opened in the 1970s.
The renovations created headaches for travelers, commuters, vacationers and businesses. But, despite the inconvenience of lane closures and delays, the work needed to be done for the safety of all those who pass through the tunnels.
Much improvement has been made during the two-year project, including the cleaning of all tunnel drainage systems; the removal and replacement of damaged wall tiles on more than 2,300 spare feet of space inside the tube; the repair of leaks; the removal and replacement of roadway curb; the installation of a new barrier wall inside East River Mountain Tunnel; the replacement of a section of the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel ceiling that was damaged during a car fire; the repair of sections of concrete on the tunnel walls and sidewalls; and the repair and removal of deteriorating concrete and ventilation duct openings.
It was a big job, to be sure, but last week the project was completed — on time and within budget.
Although crews are continuing some clean-up at the tunnels, there will not be any more lane closures, VDOT spokeswoman Michelle Earl said.
“For all intents and purposes, the project is over,” Earl told the Daily Telegraph. “We are pleased the project has come to a conclusion, and we are just thankful of the patience of the traveling public because we know there were delays.”
VDOT Bristol District Administrator Jim Givens also expressed his appreciation to those inconvenienced by the work.
“Much gratitude is owed to motorists who endured delays or altered their route during this project,” he said. “We also appreciate the efforts made by transport companies to detour around the tunnels when wide-load restrictions were in place.”
We, too, applaud the patience of those who endured the delays — knowing any short-term frustrations would ultimately lead to safer travel in the long run.
We also express our thanks to the state of Virginia, VDOT staff, contractors and workers whose efforts these past two years have strengthened our tunnels.
The very heart of our transportation infrastructure has been revived, and we look forward to many more decades of safe passage through our mountains.
