North Tidewater News

The Route 17 James River Bridge (JRB) in Newport News/Isle of Wight County will be closed for critical maintenance work from February 2 to February 6, with a possible extension until February 7. This closure is part of the ongoing wire ropes replacement project for the bridge.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the closure is necessary for crews to replace the second set of 40 counterweight wire ropes that are essential for lifting the bridge span for marine traffic. The closure will begin at 1 a.m. on February 2 and is expected to end at 5 a.m. on February 6. However, the maritime closure may extend for an additional 24 hours until 5 a.m. on February 7.

To facilitate traffic during the closure, a signed detour will be in place, directing motorists to the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) as one of the primary alternate travel routes. Other alternate routes include the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and Route 460.

For maritime travel, marine vessels that do not require a bridge opening can continue to use the navigational channel under the bridge throughout the project. However, no bridge openings will be performed for marine vessels that require a bridge lift during the closure period. Maritime travel impacts may extend for an additional 24 hours to ensure the bridge span is aligned and operating properly after a series of test lifts.

The closure will have an impact on motorists, and VDOT encourages them to limit their travel or plan ahead using their free 511 traffic tools or the free 511-integrated Waze GPS mobile app. These tools provide information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction, congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras and weather updates.

In case the closure cannot be implemented during the scheduled dates, VDOT will provide advance notice to the public. Backup dates of February 8 to February 12 (February 13 for marine traffic requiring bridge lifts) have been approved if needed.

To stay updated on project closure-related updates for marine-specific traffic, interested individuals can subscribe to receive updates via text message by texting the message "MARITIME" to 833-748-0519. They can also subscribe to receive project closure updates via email and text message by signing up on the VDOT project website or by texting "MOTORIST" to the same number.

The JRB Wire Rope Replacement Project, awarded to PCL Construction in August 2023, aims to extend the operational life of the James River Bridge and keep it in good operating condition. The project will reduce unscheduled repairs, improve safety, and increase the bridge's performance reliability. The first scheduled extended closure work period for this project took place from January 12 to January 15.

For more information on the project and updates, interested individuals can visit the VDOT website at www.VirginiaDOT.org/JRBropes.