The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has been described as one of the seven engineering wonders of the world. The 17.6 mile long span of bridges and tunnels crosses the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, connecting the Hampton Roads area with Virginia's Eastern Shore. The Bridge-Tunnel, the official name of which is the Lucius J. Kellam, Jr. Bridge-Tunnel, was completed in 1964. Until the opening of the Bridge-Tunnel, passenger cars and trains, crossed the Chesapeake Bay on ferries. Railroad barges still make the trip between Cape Charles and Norfolk.  A second span of bridges were opened in 1999, allowing for four lanes of traffic, with separate bridges for northbound and southbound traffic. With the opening of the new span came a significant toll increase.
The construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was a significant engineering accomplishment. In addition to the low trestle style bridge which makes up most the the complex, tunnels were required to allow large ships to travel the channel to Norfolk, and tall bridges where needed at the north end to allow for passage by taller ships. The Bridge-Tunnel complex includes 12 miles of low level trestle bridge, 2 one-mile long tunnels, 2 high bridges, 2 miles of causeway, and 4 man-made islands. The original Bridge-Tunnel took 42 months to complete. The news span took 46 months to complete.
Restaurant, Gift Shop, and Fishing Pier: A restaurant, gift shop, and fishing pier are located on the southernmost island of the bridge-tunnel complex. This is a good place for travelers to take a break and enjoy the view of the Chesapeake Bay. Container ships and, occasionally, Navy ships can be seen crossing the channel. You can walk around the bend to the end of the island, where view finders are available for watching ships and birds. Public restrooms are available in the restaurant/gift shop building. The restaurant and gift shop are open from 7:00am to 6:00pm in mid-September to mid-May, and 6:00am to 10:00pm from mid-May to mid-September. The restaurant has both sit down service, and faster walk-through service. This is where you can use that free drink coupon they usually hand out with your receipt at the toll booth. The restaurant has large windows overlooking the Bay, where visitors may spot ships crossing the channel. The 625 foot long fishing pier is located adjacent to the restaurant and gift shop. Access to the fishing pier is free. Cleaning stations and a certified weighing station are available. Birding on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Complex: Many types of birds and waterfowl can be observed from the Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The causal observer will note seagulls perched on top of many of the lights that line the bridges, and pelicans are commons sights around the bridge-tunnel. Good spots to watch birds are on seagull island, where the fishing pier, gift shop and restaurant are located, and at the observation pull-off located at the northern end of the bridge, just beyond the toll booth. More serious birders and birding groups can make arrangements for access to the islands. This must be arranged in advance and entails very specific security requirements. Click here for more information on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Birding Program. 
Assistance Driving Across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel: We've had several requests for information from people who are afraid to drive across the bridge-tunnel. According to the official CBBT web site, a driver's assistance program is offered for customers with fear of heights, bridges, tunnels, etc. Under this program, the Bridge-Tunnel Police Department arranges for a District employee to drive a customer's personal vehicle across the Bridge-Tunnel. There is no additional cost for this service. Travelers are asked to make arrangements for assistance in advance. People using this service are advised that they should expect a wait, the length of which will vary with the time of day, day of week, and season. Contact the Bridge-Tunnel Police Department at 757-331-2960 for additional information and to arrange for an escort.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Contact Information and Tolls: Toll: $12.00 for 2-axle vehicles (return trip within 24 hours is $5.00 - receipt required) Click here for full toll schedule for other vehicle types. Contact: For Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel weather, road conditions, and weather related travel restrictions, call 757-331-2960
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Links: Official Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Home Page: Includes information tolls, fishing pier, history, etc. Toll Schedule: Complete list of tolls from the CBBT. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel: Wikipedia entry. | 
