Old Dominion News

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the commencement of construction on the replacement of the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge, which is set to begin in 2028, significantly ahead of the initially planned date of 2036. The bridge spans the Rappahannock River, connecting the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, and is considered a key infrastructure for the area.

Funding for this project comes from the Commonwealth Transportation Special Structures Program Revenue Bond Act of 2025. The new bridge will feature wider travel lanes, functional shoulders, and higher guardrails to enhance safety and efficiency. "It is time to build a modern bridge that will serve the communities of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula for the next 100 years," announced Governor Youngkin. He emphasized the significance of accelerating the construction to meet community needs sooner than anticipated.

The existing Norris Bridge was opened to traffic in 1957 and accommodates an average of 7,560 vehicles daily. If closed, the nearest alternative land crossing is 40 miles west on Route 360 in Tappahannock. The current bridge faces the challenge of having no real shoulders, which increases the importance of its timely replacement.

Senate Bill 1082, introduced by Senator Ryan McDougle and supported by Senator Richard Stuart, Delegate Keith Hodges, and Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent, allows the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to issue revenue bonds for the project. These bonds, up to $1 billion in total, are aimed at supporting the Special Structures Program, according to Ryan McDougle.

Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III remarked, "Building safe, reliable infrastructure is foundational to the Commonwealth’s ability to attract and retain business, encourage tourism, and care for its residents." This initiative aligns with the state's commitment to advancing significant infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is conducting preliminary engineering and right-of-way acquisition work for the Norris Bridge replacement. To ensure seamless transition and public engagement, a hearing will be scheduled to discuss the proposed design plans.

During the construction phase, the existing bridge will remain operational. "Until the day the new bridge opens, our mission at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will include ongoing maintenance and inspection of the existing Norris Bridge," said VDOT Commissioner of Highways Stephen C. Brich. Upon completion of the replacement, demolition of the old bridge will occur.

The state's plan is for the Norris Bridge replacement project to proceed as a design-build, streamlining the processes involved.