Eastern Shore Trip, Part 2: Arriving In Northampton

After US 58, we headed back to Independence Boulevard, then onto US 13, which is Northampton Boulevard until it reaches the tunnel. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which has carried US 13 since 1964, is $12 one way, with a $5 return rate if you come back the same day.


Just before the first tunnel, there's a rest area/restaurant/tourist trap on Seagull Island. We stopped and took pictures.


There are two mile-long tunnels on the CBBT, the Thimble Shoal Channel Tunnel and the Chesapeake Channel Tunnel. This is in one of them.


Emerging from the tunnel onto mostly bridge.


The third channel, the North Channel, has a pair of high bridges over it instead of a third tunnel.




Descending the bridge over the North Channel towards Fisherman's Island, which is just a wildlife refuge.


And we made it. Spoiler: we won't be going all the way to VA 175.


You see a lot more meanness in the city. It's the kind that eats you up inside.


US 13 reassurance.


Our first side trip on the Eastern Shore was VA 184, which decades ago carried US 13 to Cape Charles.


Beginning on VA 184. When this was US 13 (until 1954) there was a ferry in Cape Charles that took travelers between there and Hampton Roads. From 1954 to 1964, the ferry was in Kiptopeke near the CBBT.


These are the last VA 184 postings I saw. It ends somewhere in Cape Charles. Elric took many more pictures than I did.


Heading back east on VA 184 towards US 13.


Refueling. Mid-grade has no ethanol at this station, hence the price.


Random US 13 shots.


Approaching VA 183, which we came back to later.



VA 178 is the only state primary route on the Eastern Shore to enter both Northampton and Accomack Counties.


Shortly after VA 178, we crossed into Accomack County, which we'll see in part 3.