Barton A. Thrasher P.E. Chief Engineer | Virginia Department of Transportation
Barton A. Thrasher P.E. Chief Engineer | Virginia Department of Transportation
Starting February 3, contractor crews will begin shifting westbound traffic on the South Church Street (Route 258/10 Business) Bridge over Cypress Creek to the north side. This change is part of ongoing rehabilitation work in Smithfield and aims to facilitate construction activities. The bridge will remain open to one-way westbound traffic only, while eastbound traffic continues to be closed.
The shift involves repositioning concrete lane barriers and safety equipment within the current lane configuration. Drivers are advised to stay alert and reduce speed as crews work near vehicular traffic. Pavement markings and lane reflectors will be placed during daytime stoppages, each lasting no more than 15 minutes under flagger control.
The remaining open westbound lane will be narrowed to 10 feet 7 inches wide, restricting access for wide-load vehicles. During this phase, crews will demolish and replace multiple bridge spans' superstructure on the western edge, continue rehabilitating superstructure and substructure elements, finalize utility work, repair pedestrian sidewalks, and close pedestrian access for the remainder of construction.
A signed detour directs eastbound traffic via Main Street and South Church Street/Benns Church Boulevard. Part of the parking area on the bridge's west side remains closed for construction purposes. Occasional full closures may occur later for beam removal and placement activities.
Access to private property and businesses on South Church Street will remain available throughout construction.
Initiated in January 2024, this project aims to extend the lifespan of the two-lane bridge opened in 1975 that has deteriorated significantly over time. Contractor crews will demolish parts of the superstructure across multiple spans, rehabilitate remaining structures, replace barriers, update water utilities components, and refurbish sections of sidewalk as part of this project scheduled for completion by fall 2025.
The schedule depends on weather conditions; thus it may change. Drivers should reduce speed and stay vigilant when traveling through work zones.
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