RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter 540-829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394

CULP-053 June 26, 2006

Old Ivy Road Bridge Damaged by Truck

CULPEPER – The Route 601/Old Ivy Road bridge over the U.S. 250 bypass west of Charlottesville was briefly closed Monday afternoon after it was hit by a truck. The impact damaged one of the beams that support the bridge deck.

Following an inspection by bridge specialists from the Virginia Department of Transportation the road was reopened Monday evening, but construction barrels and signs will remain in place overnight to prevent traffic from traveling directly over the damaged beam. Motorists should be alert for traffic controls and lane restrictions as they cross the bridge overnight and early Tuesday morning.

VDOT bridge engineers will conduct a more detailed inspection Tuesday morning to determine the extent of the damage and develop a repair plan. During the inspection, which will begin mid-morning, westbound traffic on the U.S. 250 bypass will be restricted to one lane. Motorists should expect delays and obey traffic controls during the inspection.