RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Lauren Hansen 757-925-2583 Lauren.Hansen@VDOT.virginia.gov

HRO-0619 April 11, 2006

VDOT PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON JAMES RIVER BRIDGE
Motorists should prepare for minor traffic delays daily

NEWPORT NEWS – To help it withstand the test of time against the brackish James River, the James River Bridge (U.S. Route 17) is getting a facelift. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working with contractors on a 9-month $6.7 million project to repaint the draw span and towers of the James River Bridge this summer and fall. Motorists should expect slight delays northbound and southbound during off-peak travel hours.

To prevent bridge rust and deterioration, the towers and lift spans will be stripped and repainted. Crews will need to set up a platform across the width of the bridge to remove the paint and keep it from falling into the water. On the northbound span, work will be performed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with one lane open Monday through Friday. Southbound motorists may experience a lane closure for the work between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Work may also be required at night between 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on weekends.

“We understand that the length and frequency of these closures are going to be an inconvenience to everyone who travels the bridge,” says Paul Moose, Sr. Construction Engineer for VDOT. “We’re doing our best to work around traffic and still ensure that the bridge will last well into the future.”

VDOT and contractor Alpha Painting and Construction Co. Inc. are taking extra precautions to insure motorist safety and to protect the James River during the entirety of the project. Crews will set up additional controls to prevent paint chips from entering the river and to protect the environment surrounding the bridge.

Preliminary work began on the project in late March and the completion date is set for December 31, 2006. This work is scheduled during off-peak travel hours to minimize the impact to motorists.

For more information about these lane closures, or any additional road work, tune to 610 AM, call 511, or visit our website at www.VirginiaDOT.org.

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