Inside the HRBT Expansion: Communicating One of Virginia's Largest Infrastructure Projects
Everyone’s heard about Mary, the tunnel boring machine carving out the new Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel tunnels, and at times, it can feel like it’s all about Mary.
She’s certainly earned the attention, but she’s just one part of a much larger, highly visible project that continues to make headlines across Hampton Roads. Join PRSA Hampton Roads for a behind-the-scenes look at how the HRBT Expansion is communicated to the public, from major construction milestones to the day-to-day realities of keeping communities informed and engaged.
Along the way, we’ll also touch on the details that capture public curiosity, such as the use of border collies to safely deter birds from active construction areas, while nearby spaces, including Fort Wool, have been adapted to provide alternative nesting habitat. These moments don’t just solve challenges; they create opportunities for meaningful, relatable communication.
Hear directly from the team responsible for shaping messaging, managing expectations, and maintaining trust throughout a long-term, high-impact infrastructure project.
Because while Mary may get a lot of the attention, effective communication is what keeps the entire project moving forward in the public eye.
Speakers:
Ryan Banas – Project Director
Paula Miller – Communications Lead
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: HRBT Expansion Welcome Center