After car goes over MMMBT, VDOT explains factors to raise the barrier walls

A man from Florida lost his life after his car went over the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT) on Monday morning, shutting down the road for nearly eight hours.

The man's car struck another car during a lane change and spun out before going over the wall into the water, according to state police. Police say the body found inside that vehicle was 55-year-old Daniel Irizarry.

WATCH: Florida man dies in crash that sent car off Monitor-Merrimac into water

The incident has raised questions in the community about why the height of the barrier walls can't be higher.

News 3 asked VDOT officials about the height of the barrier walls, and what would have to happen for them be raised.

VDOT explained in a statement that there are three factors that relate to the height of the barriers: structural integrity and design standards, increased impact on vehicle occupants, and cost and feasibility.

This means higher walls would put more weight on the bridge tunnel, especially with the concrete barriers being reinforced with steel beams, VDOT said. Higher walls are also more expensive, and the impact of a driver hitting the wall could have a much more severe outcome, VDOT added.

The statement also said the guardrails, bridge railings, and other roadside barriers are installed in accordance with federal and VDOT design and construction standards.

To read VDOT's full statement on concerns regarding raising barrier heights, click on the link below.

On 3

Full statement from VDOT on MMMBT barriers

3:29 PM, Jul 02, 2024

VDOT officials say the MMMBT averages about 75,000 vehicles per day and in the last five years, this is the only recorded incident of a vehicle going into the water from the bridge structure.

State police say the bridge was not structurally damaged during the accident or the recovery efforts.

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