Route 3 travelers should anticipate overnight delays next week while crossing the Robert O. Norris Bridge over the Rappahannock River. This is due to the ongoing structural steel rehabilitation project, which began earlier this year.
The $7.1 million maintenance project is crucial for maintaining the bridge as preliminary engineering work continues on a separate bridge replacement project. The nearly two-mile-long structure remains safe for traffic with a current 45-ton weight limit. The maintenance will involve replacing or strengthening parts of the bridge’s structural steel.
Starting late Monday, July 14 through Saturday, July 19, Route 3 between Lancaster and Middlesex counties will be reduced to one-way alternating traffic. A portion of the bridge will be reduced to a single travel lane nightly from Monday through Friday between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., and from Friday night through Saturday morning between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Automated flagging devices will direct traffic through the work zone, operated by flagging crew members who can quickly adjust them in response to congestion or incidents on the bridge.
Weather permitting, all structural steel repairs are expected to be completed by September 2026.
Updates on this work zone are available on 511Virginia. Travelers can also download the free mobile 511Virginia app or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.
