| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-107 Dec. 18, 2006 |
Old Rediviva Bridge Will Be Closed; Rappahannock County structure carried Thornton Gap Turnpike traffic
CULPEPER – The old Thornton Gap Turnpike bridge that crosses the Covington River at Rediviva will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 19 due to significant deterioration of the structure.
The bridge, which was built in 1929 by W.C. Campbell, is no longer part of the state-maintained highway network but is still owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation. The one-lane concrete structure and the turnpike right of way that connects it to Gid Brown Hollow Road (Route 622) just north of Route 211 are still used by some local residents.
Bridge engineers from VDOT determined during a recent inspection that the bridge has significant deterioration of the concrete deck as well as undercutting and scouring of the bridge piers and abutments. That deterioration has rendered the bridge unsafe for vehicular traffic. VDOT has determined that further maintenance of the bridge is not an effective use of the department’s resources.
VDOT has informed Rappahannock County officials of the situation. A meeting will be held at the site at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 with VDOT officials, county officials and local residents. Also on Tuesday, a VDOT crew will place permanent barricades at both ends of the bridge to prevent vehicles from using the structure.
The bridge, which was built in 1929 by W.C. Campbell, is no longer part of the state-maintained highway network but is still owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation. The one-lane concrete structure and the turnpike right of way that connects it to Gid Brown Hollow Road (Route 622) just north of Route 211 are still used by some local residents.
Bridge engineers from VDOT determined during a recent inspection that the bridge has significant deterioration of the concrete deck as well as undercutting and scouring of the bridge piers and abutments. That deterioration has rendered the bridge unsafe for vehicular traffic. VDOT has determined that further maintenance of the bridge is not an effective use of the department’s resources.
VDOT has informed Rappahannock County officials of the situation. A meeting will be held at the site at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 with VDOT officials, county officials and local residents. Also on Tuesday, a VDOT crew will place permanent barricades at both ends of the bridge to prevent vehicles from using the structure.
Page last modified: Dec. 19, 2006
