The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects Delmarva to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The structure is sometimes referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. This 13 mile bridge is the largest bridge-tunnel complex in the world. The structure is 23 miles long, with 2 spans, 2 mile long tunnels, 2 bridges and 4 man-made islands.
The original bridge-tunnel complex was 17.6 miles in length. The structure opened in 1964, having an initial cost of approximately $200,000,000. This first phase later became the Northbound span when the second span was added.
The route saves motorists traveling from the Northeast to the Virginia Beach – Norfolk area approximately 95 miles. Before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was constructed, the only method available to travel from the eastern shore of Virginia to the Hampton Roads area was by ferry.
One of the tunnel islands is equipped with a rest area, restaurant, scenic overlook and fishing pier. The Sea Gull pier is an excellent pier to fish from. It lies on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and extends into the bay. Trout, croakers, spot, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, small sharks and even black drum are sometimes caught here. Daytime fishing can be productive and at night, bait congregates under the lights, attracting trout in close. Check with local tackle shops or VMRC for fishing regulations.