Navigating Tunnels

fayliss · 02-22-2016, 01:48 PM

I'm planning a trip from Rochester, NY to the Outer Banks, NC during which time I need to travel through a tunnel near Norfolk, VA. What do I need to do to prepare for this? I have a Rockwood 8286ws 28' fifth wheel which I am towing. Is there some type of special propane precaution I must do before entering these tunnels? How do I go about getting information about this?

**ependydad** · 02-22-2016, 01:56 PM

Do you mean Norfolk, VA? And is that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel? If so, you just have to turn off propane. I think you stop and they ask if it's off or not.

DreiHunde · 02-22-2016, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

Do you mean Norfolk, VA? And is that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel? If so, you just have to turn off propane. I think you stop and they ask if it's off or not.

X2

The Bay Bridge Tunnel is a pretty neat drive....especially if your timing just happens to catch an Aircraft Carrier passing right in front of you as you head into the tunnel on its ways to Norfolk NB!!!

Here is the link for the regs....
CBBT Compressed Gas Regulations

limblips · 02-22-2016, 02:29 PM

The CBBT is out of your way. I think you may be talking about the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel (I-664) or the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (I-64). If it were me, and I wasn't in a hurry, I would take the scenic route and stay on I-81 to Staunton, Va and pick up I-64 there but that is also out of your way (gorgeous drive though)! So back to the tunnels, of the 2, MMBT or the HRBT, it is MMBT. Here is a link: Hampton Roads Tunnels and Bridges

KMP44 · 02-22-2016, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limblips

The CBBT is out of your way.

Not sure I would agree with that. From Upstate NY, that is the only route I would take to the OBX (and my GPS agrees).

For RV's, the gate at the toll booth doesn't open even if you have an EZ-PASS until you confirm to the person in the booth that your propane is off.
Check out the Bay Bride website. It has tons of info, real time traffic, web cams - all the info you could want. And it is a pretty neat drive and the toll is worth the time savings.

limblips · 02-22-2016, 02:55 PM

Wow! Interesting. MapQuest says it is shorter by 132 miles and 1.75 hours to go I-95 than to use the CBBT down the Eastern Shore of Del, Md, and Va. I am originally from Northern NY and make the trip 1-3X a year. I use the CBBT but I am heading due north to I-81 at Clark's Summit, Pa to Watertown. The OP is driving from Rochester, far west of US-13 (CBBT). Oh well, it is up to him which way he goes, we gave him the tunnel info!

**ependydad** · 02-22-2016, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limblips

Wow! Interesting. MapQuest says it is shorter by 132 miles and 1.75 hours to go I-95 than to use the CBBT down the Eastern Shore of Del, Md, and Va. I am originally from Northern NY and make the trip 1-3X a year. I use the CBBT but I am heading due north to I-81 at Clark's Summit, Pa to Watertown. The OP is driving from Rochester, far west of US-13 (CBBT). Oh well, it is up to him which way he goes, we gave him the tunnel info!

If the OP comes down I-95. There are tunnels in Baltimore that need to be AVOIDED. You have to use I-695 in either direction.

radman · 02-22-2016, 03:29 PM

If you are going south on I-95, I would recommend to get off at the last exit in Delaware (exit for 896 south). Take it to US 301 south and go across the Bay Bridge then either stay on 301 south or stay on US 50 and then pickup the beltway around DC. This is a great route 301 thru MD is like I-95 but you can count the traffic on one hand. But don't go this way on summer weekend because of the beach traffic.

johnm1 · 02-26-2016, 10:36 AM

We've been down that way from Rochester several times with a 12.3' tall 35' 5er going to First Landing State Park. There are pull off just before the tunnels for you to stop at. The attendant checks to make sure your propane is off then you go in your way. I pull off at the nearest parking lot and turn it back on. This is pretty much the case if you're taking the Bay Bridge Tunnel or the ones around Norfolk.

**Flybob** · 02-26-2016, 10:43 AM

X2 on this route. Very nice relaxing route, virtually no traffic, you avoid several expensive tolls and don't have to deal with 695 around Baltimore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by radman

If you are going south on I-95, I would recommend to get off at the last exit in Delaware (exit for 896 south). Take it to US 301 south and go across the Bay Bridge then either stay on 301 south or stay on US 50 and then pickup the beltway around DC. This is a great route 301 thru MD is like I-95 but you can count the traffic on one hand. But don't go this way on summer weekend because of the beach traffic.

MeepMeep · 02-26-2016, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fayliss

I'm planning a trip from Rochester, NY to the Outer Banks, NC during which time I need to travel through a tunnel near Norfolk, VA. What do I need to do to prepare for this? I have a Rockwood 8286ws 28' fifth wheel which I am towing. Is there some type of special propane precaution I must do before entering these tunnels? How do I go about getting information about this?

If you're concerned about tunnels around Norfolk (Hampton Roads) Area, you can avoid all tunnels by re-routing across the James River Bridge....Happy Trails!!

awellis3 · 02-26-2016, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fayliss

I'm planning a trip from Rochester, NY to the Outer Banks, NC during which time I need to travel through a tunnel near Norfolk, VA.

No, you don't. No one native to Virginia goes to the OBX that way. That's the tourist route and always a mess.
North of Richmond, get on I-295, exit on Rt.460 east towards Va. Beach.
Follow the signs to OBX. No tunnels, no tolls, no traffic (comparatively).
PM me if you want details.

MeepMeep · 02-26-2016, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awellis3

No, you don't. No one native to Virginia goes to the OBX that way. That's the tourist route and always a mess.
North of Richmond, get on I-295, exit on Rt.460 east towards Va. Beach.
Follow the signs to OBX. No tunnels, no tolls, no traffic (comparatively).
PM me if you want details.

Or..... take the I-295 bypass around Richmond (strongly recommended), then back on I-95 South to Emporia and East on VA-58 which will take you to US 17 South to the OBX

uhduh camping · 02-26-2016, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radman

If you are going south on I-95, I would recommend to get off at the last exit in Delaware (exit for 896 south). Take it to US 301 south and go across the Bay Bridge then either stay on 301 south or stay on US 50 and then pickup the beltway around DC. This is a great route 301 thru MD is like I-95 but you can count the traffic on one hand. But don't go this way on summer weekend because of the beach traffic.

Yeah would agree to this route as well traveling to and from. Tolls are expensive. But check bay bridge conditions. They won't allow RVs in high winds. 877 bay span is info line to bridge.

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