The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in the US has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a private sector partner for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion project.

Interested parties will be invited to share their capabilities and experience to deliver the HRBT as a design-build contract under the Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) as part of the RFQ.

"The HRBT Expansion development will see the construction of an additional bridge-tunnel, as well as the widening of the four-lane segments of Interstate 64 in Hampton and Norfolk."

The entire project is currently estimated to cost around $3.3bn-$3.8bn, but the exact amount may change after the scope of the project is fully evaluated.

The HRBT Expansion development will see the construction of an additional bridge-tunnel, as well as the widening of the four-lane segments of Interstate 64 in Hampton and Norfolk.

It is expected to reduce traffic congestion between the Peninsula and South Hampton Roads and facilitate regional connectivity.

At present, the existing four lanes carry more than 100,000 vehicles per day during peak summer traffic.

Responses to the RFQ are due to VDOT by 2 March next year and will be used by the transport operator to assess the proposers’ qualifications to design and construct the project.

The shortlisted teams will be notified in April next year and issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain detailed information on their technical approach to deliver the initiative, including binding price proposals.

The HRBT contract is expected to be awarded in early 2019, while construction is anticipated to begin in mid-2019 and be completed in 2024.

Most of the funding for the project will be provided by the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, while the remaining financing is expected to be granted by federal agencies and other resources.