RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Jeff Caldwell 804-524-6179 richmondinfo@VirginiaDOT.org Sara Cross 804-524-6387

RICH-69b Sept. 14, 2004

VDOT RESTORES APPOMATTOX BRIDGES Bridge Decks to be Replaced

PETERSBURG—The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is rehabilitating two bridges in the Petersburg area. Crews will begin restoring Route 600 bridges over the Appomattox River and the Appomattox Canal during the week of Sept. 20.

Beginning the week of Sept. 20, and continuing through most of the reconstruction, one lane of traffic will be maintained by a signal. The lane crossing the bridges will also be restricted to 10-foot wide loads. Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes when traveling over these bridges during construction. VDOT appreciates the public’s patience during this time and alternate routes will be posted so motorists can bypass the area and avoid delays. Alternate routes include the Boulevard (Route 1/301), River Road (Route 36) and Interstate 95.

Constructed in 1958, the bridges are located on Route 600 (Pickett Avenue/Ferndale Road) west of Petersburg. One bridge crosses over the Appomattox River and the other crosses over the Appomattox Canal. The structures span the Dinwiddie and Chesterfield County line. During recent inspections, engineers discovered that the aging bridges needed to be repaired in order to continue providing service to the 7,600 vehicles that use the bridge daily.

The $1.6 million project includes replacing both bridge decks and railings as well as painting both bridges. The project is estimated to be complete by late spring 2006 with two-way traffic returning to the bridges in the fall 2005.

For information on this or other road projects, visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.