The Tunnel Support Facility is an 18,500 SF steel-frame industrial and ad-ministrative facility to serve the 4,200 foot Norfolk-Portsmouth Midtown Tunnel crossing the Elizabeth River at Pinners Point in Portsmouth, Virginia. The two-story, elevator-supported facility houses the administrative offices of the operator, the Elizabeth River Tunnel Authority.

The building is the local terminus for the tunnel and bridge SMART traffic monitoring systems serving the Western Freeway (Route 164), Route 58, and the bridge and tunnel operations. Co-located with the administrative functional space were twelve emergency service bays outfitted with vehicle maintenance and support equipment.

The facility was equipped with heavy lift maintenance and overhead mounted servicing equipment. Due to explosive and toxic gases, the entire building was fitted with ventilation systems for high change rate removal of fumes in accordance with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) criteria. Supporting first echelon vehicle maintenance and emergency ve-hicle repairs, the building was outfitted with a tailpipe exhaust system, oil and grease interceptors, and a sediment separation capability. Full fire protection was provided.

The project included demolition of the existing tunnel operations and support buildings, including the removal of hazardous materials. Site related work included the development of emergency vehicle and other support vehicle access to the tunnel, site physical security, site utilities and lighting, fuel storage and refueling island, a vehicle wash rack, and a salt dome.

The architecture and aesthetics of the principal facility and the site components were required to be developed within the context of the region. In its presentation before Virginia's Arts and Architectural Review Board, MMM received the Board's approval and was commended for a "comprehensive solution to a difficult problem."