The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced an upcoming closure of all lanes on the Fort Lee Road overpass across I-85, slated to begin on Thursday, May 1. The decision comes as part of a series of updates concerning ongoing works on the overpass in Petersburg, Virginia.
Previously, VDOT had articulated a plan to close the southbound lane beginning on Monday, January 27, as a safety response to damage from a vehicle collision with the bridge. However, the closure was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances,” with motorists advised to adhere to posted weight limit restrictions. The southbound lane closure was rescheduled for Monday, February 3.
The upcoming full lane closure is preceded by guidance for motorists to follow designated detour routes. Southbound traffic on Fort Lee Road will continue via a lane closure operation. Northbound drivers approaching from the east are instructed to continue west on Boydton Plank Road to Dupuy Road, then travel north to reach Fort Lee Road. For those approaching from the west, the route involves traveling east on Boydton Plank Road to Youngs Road, proceeding north, then south onto Fort Lee Road.
There is an alternate route for northbound truck traffic coming from the west, which involves routes through Halifax Street, West Washington Street, McKenney Street, and Dupuy Road to finally connect to Fort Lee Road.
Construction on the bridge is planned to commence in the fall of 2025, as indicated by VDOT. For further inquiries about the project, the public is encouraged to contact VDOT’s customer service center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).
