The benefits of bridge-tunnels [Video]

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The tragic collapse of the Key Bridge this week has blocked all traffic into the Port of Baltimore. However, if the same thing was to happen in Hampton Roads, the circumstances would be different.

Our bridge-tunnels are our saving grace if we should ever see a bridge meet with disaster in the future.

There’s a reason why Naval Station Norfolk is the largest Navy base in the world.

“Because of those inherent natural advantages that the harbor has, it’s a naturally deep channel,” said Rick Dwyer, executive director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. “[We have] moderate weather, so you don’t have to worry about ice in the wintertime.”

And it’s easily traversed waterways.

The region has safeguards in case a bridge was to topple. It’s why we have bridge-tunnels. Naval Station Norfolk was founded in 1917— smack in the middle of World War I. The first connector …