Coast Guard Proposes Wider Safety Zones for Virginia Tunnel Expansion
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up temporary safety zones around the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in Norfolk and Hampton, VA, to keep boats and people safe during the expansion project. These zones will block unauthorized vessels from entering certain waters until the project wraps up. If you’re on the water nearby, expect some new rules starting soon, and make sure to share your thoughts by December 22, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
New Safety Zones Close Waters
The Coast Guard will prohibit vessels and people from entering specified waters around the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP), Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP), or a designated representative. These safety zones apply from December 25, 2025 through December 20, 2030 and include multiple named zones (Zones 1–6) with marked perimeter buoys.
Marked Transit Corridors for Some Residents
The rule allows HRCP to establish marked safe transit corridors through some safety zones so vessels may pass when HRCP posts them. Zone 6 explicitly allows transit corridors to provide navigation access for residents located north of the Willoughby Bay Bridge, but mariners using them must proceed with caution and keep a safe distance from construction equipment.
Possible Impact on Local Fishing Small Businesses
The Coast Guard notes that a small number of commercial fishing entities historically fished and set traps in some of the proposed safety zones and that exclusion could cause economic impact to those entities. The Coast Guard also certifies that the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities overall.
Permission Process and Contact Rules
Mariners who want to transit any safety zone must first contact the HRCP designated representative or on-site foreman by phone at 7577036060 or on VHF-FM channels 13 or 16 for permission. If permission is granted, mariners must proceed at their own risk and follow all instructions from the COTP, HRCP, or designated representative.
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