When Sweden and Denmark built a connection between their countries, Sweden preferred a bridge, and Denmark preferred a tunnel, they each built their half and connected them in the middle with an artificial island. The Øresund Bridge is unique in the world.
Virginia’s exists because the navy was worried that a bridge accident or attack could cut off Norfolk Naval Station from the Atlantic. Submarines cross under the bridge though.
I always figured the Navy drove the decision making on that bridge. I haven’t driven over it in a long time but going over that bridge and seeing an aircraft carrier coming and going is so cool.