Old Dominion News

Overnight delays are expected for travelers on Route 3 at the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge from April 13 through April 17. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced that additional time is needed for spot structural steel repairs. Automatic flagging devices will manage one-way traffic through the construction zone each evening from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting. Details and updates can be found on 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

VDOT, along with its contractor, has been working on a $7.1 million structural steel rehabilitation project on the Robert O. Norris Jr. Bridge, which started in late March. This maintenance aims to uphold the safety and functionality of the bridge while the preliminary engineering work progresses for a future bridge replacement.

According to VDOT, the 67-year-old Norris Bridge is in fair condition and safe for travel, with a set weight limit of 45 tons. The bridge spans nearly 2 miles, connecting Lancaster and Middlesex counties. The rehabilitation involves replacing or strengthening parts of its structural steel.

“Travelers can expect overnight delays on Route 3 over the Rappahannock River. The $7.1 million maintenance project is necessary to maintain the Norris Bridge as preliminary engineering work progresses on a separate bridge replacement project,” VDOT stated.

Lane closures are scheduled from Monday through Friday, in intervals between midnight and 6 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight; on weekends, closures will occur from midnight to 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight. Message boards have been placed to alert drivers. The project requires single-lane travel with automated flagging devices adjusting to traffic conditions.

"Once measurements are complete, the necessary steel elements are manufactured to repair the bridge," VDOT noted. The fabrication and shipping of these steel elements are expected to take about a month.

With the contractor planning to continue work both day and night, daytime operations will be staged on barges in the river without obstructing marine traffic. Brief, full traffic stops will occur as needed, for which VDOT will give advance notice and ensure emergency vehicles can pass when necessary.

Full repairs are expected to be completed by September 2026, weather allowing. This timeline aligns with plans under the Norris Bridge Replacement Project. The Commonwealth Transportation Board allocated funding for the replacement in 2021, and preliminary engineering is already in motion.

"Norris Bridge is listed in fair condition and remains safe for traffic with its current 45-ton weight limit posting," VDOT confirmed.