RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Brenda Waters (276) 669-9999 bristolinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Michelle Earl 276-669-9901

BRIS-35 April 3, 2007

Business Route 23 bridge at Kent Junction closed; bridge is located between Norton and Appalachia

WISE COUNTY, Va. – The Business Route 23 Bridge at Kent Junction has been closed in order for transportation engineers to evaluate the condition of the bridge after a 4-foot hole formed in the bridge deck overnight. The structure, which is undergoing maintenance re-construction, had already been restricted to one-lane. Virginia Department of Transportation officials believe the additional traffic on the single lane contributed to the deck damage.

Message boards are in place alerting through traffic to detour using Route 23 between Norton and Big Stone Gap. Officials say it is too early to speculate on when the bridge might be re-opened to traffic, but are working with the construction contractor on ways to restore traffic as soon as feasible.

Elk Knob, Inc., Pennington Gap, was awarded the $2.6 million contract to reconstruct the bridge last June and work began in July. The contract includes replacement of two bridge piers and the entire deck. The bridge underwent a comprehensive inspection prior to the start of the repair work.

The bridge is located over the Norfolk & Southern Railroad and Roaring Fork Creek, near the intersection of Route 603.

Business Route 23 is a heavily traveled route, mostly utilized by coal trucks, industrial park traffic and local traffic traveling between Norton and Appalachia. The average daily traffic on this section of roadway is approximately 7,000 vehicles per day. (END)