Old Dominion News

Today marks the beginning of a significant infrastructure project in Louisa County, as a contractor with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) starts work on replacing the bridge over Little River. The project necessitates the closure of Route 701, also known as Belle Meade Road, and implements a long-term detour.

Motorists traveling northbound and southbound on Belle Meade Road between Route 618 (Belsches Road) and Route 608 (Signboard Road) are directed to use Route 654 (Bagby Road) instead. This detour was communicated through message boards installed two weeks prior to the closure.

The aim of this project is to rehabilitate the existing substandard bridge by replacing its superstructure with concrete slabs and an asphalt riding surface. The current structure, built in 1985, supports approximately 700 vehicles daily and has a weight limit of 12 tons.

The total cost for this bridge replacement is estimated at $4.7 million, with completion expected by November 2025.

For further details about the bridge replacement over Little River, interested parties can visit VDOT's dedicated page for Route 701 bridge updates in Louisa County.

VDOT provides local updates via their Culpeper District social media pages on X.com/VaDOTCulp and Facebook. Additionally, real-time traffic conditions across Virginia can be accessed through VDOT’s statewide network of traffic cameras on the 511Virginia website or mobile app. Alternatively, travelers can call 511 from any phone within Virginia for information.