In accordance with 16VAC25-60-190.C, this publication serves as notice that the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) has received four variance requests from Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP) regarding a tunnel construction project. The requests are for a permanent variance from certain compressed air work standards, specifically, 16VAC25-175-1926.803(e)(5), 16VAC25-175-1926.803(f)(1), 16VAC25-175-1926.803(g)(1)(iii) and 16VAC25-175-1926.803(g)(1)(xvii).

The construction project is an expansion project to widen the current four-lane segments along the I-64 corridor in Norfolk and Hampton, with new twin tunnels connecting the North Island and South Island along the Hampton Roads waterway. HRCP is a construction joint venture of Dragados USA, Vinci Construction, Flatiron Constructors and Dodin Campenon Bernard.  HRCP has contracted with Ballard Marine Construction to provide hyperbaric support of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion project.   

Beginning on April 22, 2022, DOLI is opening up a Town Hall comment forum.  The forum is open for 30 days, from April 22, 2022 until May 22, 2022 to accept comments from the public regarding this variance request. During the 30-day comment period, under 16VAC25-190.D, the employer, affected employees, the employee representative, or other employers affected by the standards listed above, may request an informal hearing regarding this matter and the Commissioner will schedule a hearing with HRCP and the party or parties wishing to be heard.