| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-099 Nov. 29, 2006 |
Weight Limit Increased on Proffit Road Bridge
CULPEPER – The maximum weight limit on the bridge over the Norfolk Southern railroad track on Route 649/Proffit Road in Albemarle County has been increased to 16 tons following a review of the structure by bridge engineers at the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The bridge, which is owned by Norfolk Southern Corp., was rebuilt earlier this year. The previous structure was posted with a 14-ton maximum weight limit until April 2005, when the limit was reduced to 12 tons. The old bridge was completely torn down over the summer and replaced with a new steel supporting structure, deck beams and new timber deck. The bridge reopened to traffic in late September.
The new bridge looks much like the old but does have heavier guardrails on each side of the deck, which were added to provide additional safety for vehicles crossing the structure. Signs advising motorists of the 16-ton weight limit have been placed on Proffit Road near the bridge.
The bridge, which is owned by Norfolk Southern Corp., was rebuilt earlier this year. The previous structure was posted with a 14-ton maximum weight limit until April 2005, when the limit was reduced to 12 tons. The old bridge was completely torn down over the summer and replaced with a new steel supporting structure, deck beams and new timber deck. The bridge reopened to traffic in late September.
The new bridge looks much like the old but does have heavier guardrails on each side of the deck, which were added to provide additional safety for vehicles crossing the structure. Signs advising motorists of the 16-ton weight limit have been placed on Proffit Road near the bridge.
Page last modified: Nov. 29, 2006
