17-Mile Bridge Sparks Fear, Sparks Paid Driving Service
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17-mile structure connecting Norfolk, Virginia, with the Delmarva Peninsula, is so intimidating that some drivers pay $40 (approximately £30) for a service to drive their car across. The bridge, which includes two underwater tunnels, can take up to 25 minutes to traverse in normal traffic. Its narrow lanes, lack of shoulders, and claustrophobic tunnels have made it a nerve-wracking experience for many motorists.
A Feat of Engineering with a Scary Reputation
Opened in 1964, the bridge-tunnel replaced a ferry system that made up to 90 daily crossings but often stranded travelers due to bad weather. The design incorporates tunnels to maintain shipping routes, making it one of only 14 such systems worldwide. Despite its ingenuity, the drive is daunting: two lanes, no pull-off areas, and tunnels that narrow to one lane in each direction. The bridge has its own police patrol and emergency phones, but that doesn't ease all nerves.
Locals Share Their Terrifying Experiences
On Reddit, locals have recounted hair-raising stories. One user said: “When I was in the Navy and living in Norfolk, my mother-in-law would visit on occasion, despite being terrified to use this route. She would have to be driven across/through it so she could close her eyes for the duration. (5-7 minutes) If there was a traffic jam...it was all she could do to keep the panic tamped down.” Another added: “The tunnel isn’t the scary part, the scary part is driving over 17 miles on a bridge that’s two lanes and only about 10 feet above the strong waters of the Chesapeake Bay meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Those waters are deadly!”
Paid Service Offers Relief
Kent Island Express offers a Bay Bridge Drive Over service, available 24 hours a day. Motorists call an hour before arrival, meet at a designated point, and a driver takes the wheel. The service costs $40 (£30). According to a news report, one driver said she drives ten to thirty people per day.
Destination Worth the Stress
The Delmarva Peninsula offers unspoiled scenery, including Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile barrier island with wild horses and oceanside campsites. Space enthusiasts can visit NASA Wallops Flight Facility, which has conducted over 16,000 launches from its rocket testing range. Scheduled launch days offer clear views from a viewing platform.
