But this holiday weekend might be one of the last holidays for years where traveling through the tunnel will be a breeze.

Beverly Boss from Florida says coming from the south, "we don't know any other way".

But there is another way, it's a curvy hour-long trip over the mountain.

The tunnels were created as shortcuts back in the early 1970s. The 90 second trip through East River Mountain tunnel is quick and safe. Though, soon that might change.

"The tunnel has been in service now for 31 years and this is the first major overhaul that we will go through," says Marty Halloway, Virginia DOT Enginner.

Thursday, June 2nd, the Virginia Division of Highways will begin testing exhaust fans in the Big Walker Tunnel about 20 minutes down the road from East River. Lights and water tanks will also be installed.

This is just a prelude to the major 14 million dollar construction project involving both tunnels this winter.

"Both tunnels will be worked on simultaneously. However, we'll only disrupt traffic southbound in one tunnel and northbound in the other," Halloway says.

Halloway also warns drivers to prepare for a five mile back-up, otherwise a ten minute-delay, to get through the tunnels.

Improving pedestrian walkways, drainage systems and replacing tile are some of the things construction crews are working on.

Halloway adds there is danger in working in confine spaces with heavy traffic.

"The slow traffic will also create different air quality inside the tunnel for our workers. We'll monitor and have to evacuate if the fumes get bad."

State police will start monitoring traffic around the tunnel this winter.

Construction on both bridges is expected to last three years.