Hampton Roads Connector Partners has been selected by the Virginia state government in the US to complete the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) expansion project.

The $3.3bn fixed-price contract will be formally awarded in April, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The project is expected to be completed by November 2025.

Hampton Roads Connector was chosen through competitive procurement, which started in December 2017 and lasted nearly one year.

During the process, three qualified design-build teams were shortlisted. Two of the three teams presented comprehensive technical proposals and price bids. After detailed evaluation, Hampton Roads Connector Partners emerged as the winning contractor based on bid price and technical score.

“This project supports and expands critical transportation infrastructure, creating opportunities for families, military personnel, and businesses in the Hampton Roads region.”

Virginia governor Ralph Northam said: “This project supports and expands critical transportation infrastructure, creating opportunities for families, military personnel, and businesses in the Hampton Roads region.

“I am proud of the hard work and negotiations that have taken place over this past year to deliver significant improvements that will relieve daily congestion, increase safety, and drive economic growth throughout this important corridor.”

According to the contract, the contractor will be responsible for designing and constructing the HRBT project, which includes the construction of two new two-lane tunnels.

Four-lane sections of Interstate 64 in Hampton between Settlers Landing Road and the Phoebus shoreline will be widened under the project.

It will also broaden the four-lane section of I-64 in Norfolk between the Willoughby shoreline and the I-564 interchange.

During peak travel times, this section of road is used by more than 100,000 vehicles currently.

The Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC) will be the main funder of the project.

Financial support from the state and federal governments has also been requested. The VDOT will fund the replacement bridge trestles on the Norfolk side.

Hampton Roads Connector Partners operates as a joint venture (JV) of Dragados USA, HDR, Mott MacDonald, Flatiron Constructors, Vinci Construction, and Dodin Campenon Bernard.