The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has led travelers on adventure for over 50 years.

The Bridge-Tunnel project is a four-lane 20-mile-long vehicular toll crossing of the lower Chesapeake Bay. The facility carries US 13, the main north-south highway on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, and provides the only direct link between Virginia’s Eastern Shore and south Hampton Roads, Virginia.

The crossing consists of a series of low-level trestles interrupted by two approximately one-mile-long tunnels beneath Thimble Shoal and Chesapeake navigation channels. The manmade islands, each approximately 5.25 acres in size, are located at each end of the two tunnels. There are also high level bridges over two other navigation channels: North Channel Bridge and Fisherman Inlet Bridge.

Finally, between North Channel and Fisherman Inlet, the facility crosses at-grade over Fisherman Island, a barrier island which includes the Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Toll collection facilities are located at each end of the facility.

The overlook is located on the west side of the roadway at the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. It has a large parking area to accommodate cars, recreational vehicles and buses. It is a favorite place to catch a sunset or sunrise, stretch your legs, or simply enjoy the fresh air. You can find viewing machines for an even better look at the Chesapeake Bay.

The CBBT is a tempting rest area to numerous birds and waterfowl. The large habitat over the open water is irresistible to birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. It makes for an inviting rest stop for birds during their spring and fall migrations. Their presence has in turn attracted avid bird-watchers, or “birders,” from all across the U.S. and even the world!