Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has begun a project in Albemarle County to replace the structurally deficient Route 601 (Old Ivy Road) bridge over the U.S. 29/250 bypass. The $3.9 million contract has been awarded to Caton Construction Group, with work starting on February 17.

The current bridge structure is deteriorating and substandard, prompting this project which includes replacing the bridge deck and beams and rehabilitating the piers. The new bridge will be slightly raised to allow for more vertical clearance for vehicles traveling underneath on U.S. 29/250.

During construction, traffic on Route 601 over U.S. 29/250 will be limited to eastbound only, with a narrowed width of 10 feet 8 inches. Eastbound trucks longer than 45 feet will not be able to turn north onto U.S. 29 east of the bridge and are advised to use U.S. 250 (Ivy Road).

Westbound traffic on Route 601 will need to detour by heading north onto U.S. 29/250, making a U-turn at Barracks Road, and then exiting back onto Route 601 west of the closure.

Several nighttime weekend closures of U.S. 29/250 are planned as needed during construction, with separate detours for trucks and cars in place during these short-term closures.

Truck drivers heading north should take Interstate 64 east to exit 124 and then travel west on U.S. 250 (Richmond Road), before taking the exit for U.S. 29 north (Emmet Street/Seminole Trail). Passenger vehicles and local traffic can use U.S. 250 Business (Ivy Road) and Emmet Street for access north of the closure, while southbound drivers should continue on U.S. 29/250 south after an immediate right from U.S. 250 Business.

Drivers are advised to exercise caution through the work zone and follow flagging teams' directions during nighttime closures.

Built in 1961, approximately 8,000 vehicles cross this bridge daily. The project is expected to be completed by fall of 2026.

Further information about this project is available on VDOT’s website under Route 601 bridge over U.S. 29/250.

Local updates regarding conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District can be found at X.com/VaDOTCulp or on their Facebook page.

Real-time travel information is accessible via VDOT’s statewide network of traffic cameras at the website "511Virginia," through their mobile app or by calling "511" within Virginia.