If you're traveling through Virginia with a motorhome, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, there's an important RV safety rule you NEED to know before entering the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (I-664)! 🚐😳
We recently traveled through this tunnel while towing our fifth wheel, and we almost made a mistake that could have resulted in us getting pulled over! 🚔
Here's what happened and what every RVer should know before traveling this route.
🌊 Where Is the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel?
The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel is located along Interstate 664 in southeastern Virginia, connecting Newport News and Hampton with the South Hampton Roads area near Suffolk and Chesapeake.
Opened in 1992, this crossing includes bridge sections and underwater tunnels that take motorists beneath the Hampton Roads harbor.
It's a popular route for RVers traveling through the region, but there's one important detail if your RV has propane onboard: you can't simply drive straight through!
🔥 Why Do RVs Have to Stop Before Entering?
Because portions of this crossing travel underwater, additional safety precautions apply to vehicles carrying propane.
Many RVs use liquid propane (LP) to power appliances like refrigerators, furnaces, water heaters, and cooktops.
Virginia has specific regulations for vehicles carrying propane through certain tunnels, and VDOT instructs motorhome drivers to stop for a propane inspection before proceeding.
This is an important safety requirement, not just a recommendation!
😳 Our Experience: We Almost Drove Right Past the Inspection Area!
Waiting with an 18 Wheeler to get inspected
Here's where things got interesting!
As we approached the Monitor-Merrimac tunnel while towing our fifth wheel, we noticed signs directing certain vehicles toward an inspection area.
But honestly, the signage wasn't super clear, and we weren't sure whether it applied to us.
We debated whether we actually needed to pull over or if we could just continue through.
Thankfully, we decided to stop and ask!
The inspector explained that we needed to disconnect our propane before entering the underwater tunnel. She ALSO told us that if we had driven past without stopping, she would have called us in to get pulled over! 😳
YIKES!
Imagine towing a nearly 40-foot fifth wheel and suddenly being directed to pull over because you missed an inspection checkpoint.
I'm SO glad we took those extra few minutes!
Lesson learned: When in doubt, STOP AND ASK. Don't assume the inspection doesn't apply to your RV!
🚐 What Should RV Owners Do Before Entering?
We had to get out to chat with the inspector
If you're planning to travel through the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, here's what I'd recommend:
Watch for inspection signs. Pay attention as you approach the tunnel and look for the designated inspection area.
Pull into the inspection area. If you're traveling in a motorhome or towing an RV with propane onboard, follow the posted instructions.
Be prepared to disconnect your propane. Follow the inspector's directions for your particular RV setup.
Wait for clearance. Don't proceed until you've completed the required inspection and have been cleared to enter.
A few extra minutes at an inspection station are absolutely worth it! ❤️
🗺️ Are There Other Virginia Tunnels With RV Propane Restrictions?
Yes! The Monitor-Merrimac isn't the only tunnel where RV owners need to be aware of propane regulations.
Other crossings in the Hampton Roads area include:
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (I-664)
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (I-64)
Elizabeth River Midtown Tunnel (Route 58)
Elizabeth River Downtown Tunnel (I-264)
Always check the current requirements for your specific route before traveling. Different crossings can have different restrictions and procedures.
You can also check VDOT's Bridges and Tunnels information and Virginia's tunnel regulations.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Save This Before Your Next RV Road Trip!
One thing we've learned traveling full-time in our fifth wheel is that there's ALWAYS something new to learn!
We've traveled thousands of miles, visited national parks across the country, and navigated plenty of unfamiliar roads, but this was a good reminder that even experienced RVers can encounter unexpected rules along the way.
We could have easily driven right past that inspection area because we weren't sure the signs applied to us.
Thankfully, we stopped and asked!
So if you're planning an RV road trip through Virginia, especially through the Hampton Roads area, make sure you know the propane inspection requirements before you arrive.
Save this post, share it with your RV travel friends, and help another RVer avoid this mistake! 🚐✨
Happy travels!
— The Roamsteaders 🚐
