Route 607 (Cheaneys Bridge Road) in Essex County reopened on April 29 after the Virginia Department of Transportation and its contractor completed a bridge replacement project. The road had been closed since May 2025 for construction between Howerton Road and Bestland Road.
The reopening of Cheaneys Bridge Road is important because it restores a key connection for local travelers, removing a six-mile detour and improving access across Dragon Run Creek. The new bridge replaces an older structure, offering increased length and width to accommodate more traffic safely.
Crews finished building the new, longer, and wider structure over Dragon Run Creek ahead of schedule. The updated bridge is nearly double the length of the previous one at 65 feet—about as long as two school buses—and includes paved shoulders. With completion ahead of the expected date next month, all weight limit restrictions have been lifted so vehicles of legal weights can cross freely. Abernathy Construction from Glen Allen was responsible for completing this $3.3 million project.
According to the official website, the purpose of Virginia Department of Transportation centers on building, maintaining and operating Virginia’s roads, bridges and tunnels to support a safe and efficient transportation system. The agency manages one of the nation’s largest state highway systems, covering tens of thousands of lane-miles across Virginia according to VDOT.
Virginia Department of Transportation also provides services such as highway maintenance, traffic management through systems like Virginia 511, and oversight of land-use permits along state routes according to its official website. As a state agency overseeing planning, construction and maintenance for roadways statewide, VDOT has developed from its beginnings with the State Highway Commission in 1906 through various iterations to manage growing infrastructure needs according to VDOT. Its headquarters are located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to VDOT.
The completion ahead of schedule may set an example for future projects managed by VDOT as it continues efforts to improve transportation infrastructure throughout Virginia.
