Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews will continue their work on the southbound portion of the James River Bridge (JRB) this weekend, and the Coleman Bridge is scheduled for tests lifts during the day Thursday.
The JRB will be down to one lane for both north- and southbound traffic starting Friday at 9 p.m. as crews work on replacing the southbound grid deck. Work will continue through Monday at 5 a.m. The single-lane plan will require a speed limit of 25 miles per hour, so drivers should use caution and pay close attention while crossing the bridge.
The I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel will both be open as alternate routes. All work is weather dependent.
At least five additional weekend lane closures will be required to complete all of the bridge work, and the single-lane closures will continue on weekends through mid-December.
Future single lane closures are scheduled as follows:
- Nov. 16, from 9 p.m. through Nov. 19, at 5 a.m.(northbound)
- No work scheduled over Thanksgiving Holiday weekend
- Nov. 30, from 9 p.m. through Dec. 3, at 5 a.m. (northbound)
- Dec. 7, from 9 p.m. through Dec. 10, at 5 a.m. (northbound)
In addition, on Monday, crews will perform four brief bridge lifts to check the functionality of the counterweights of the bridge lift mechanism. These lifts will last up to 15 minutes and will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
VDOT bridge maintenance crews have scheduled test lifts at the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge (Route 17) for Thursday, Nov. 8, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The openings will occur throughout the day, as traffic conditions permit, with each opening expected to last up to 20 minutes.
Crews will test the hydraulic systems used to open and close the bridge span, as part of routine maintenance. Test closures are required during daylight hours to effectively assess test results. VDOT attempts to schedule maintenance during travel periods when traffic volumes are lower, to reduce impact to motorists.
Drivers should call 511 or the Traffic Information Line at 361-3016, visit the 511 website, or listen to Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) 1680 AM for current traffic and travel information.
For additional JRB project information visit the JRB project website.
