NOAA Considers Allowing Marine Mammal Takes for Hampton Roads Bridge Expansion
Published Date: 2/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in Norfolk, Virginia, is getting a big expansion, and this work might accidentally bother some local marine mammals. NOAA is thinking about giving permission for this to happen but wants your thoughts by March 30, 2026. If all goes well, they might renew this permission for another year, helping the project move forward while keeping sea life in mind.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
IHA Lets HRBT Construction Continue
NOAA is proposing a 1-year incidental harassment authorization (IHA) that would allow the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion work to continue from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. The project would widen about 9.9 miles of I-64 and create an eight-lane facility to address severe traffic congestion at the existing crossing.
Year‑Long Pile Driving: 312 Days
The proposed IHA covers in‑water pile installation and removal for up to 312 days per year based on a 6-day work week. Pile work will include vibratory and impact pile driving (steel pipe piles installed ~80% by vibratory and ~20% by impact), which the notice identifies as the primary source of underwater noise and disturbance.
Possible One‑Year Renewal Option
NMFS is requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal of the IHA that could be issued under certain circumstances if all requirements are met; comments must be received by March 30, 2026. If issued, a renewal could allow the project to continue beyond the initial IHA year under the conditions described in the notice.
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