SUFFOLK–This weekend, grid deck replacement activities shift to the northbound span of the Route 17 James River Bridge.
Single-lane, weekend closures, for both north— and southbound traffic will begin on Friday, Nov. 16, at 9 p.m. and will continue until Monday, Nov. 19, at 5 a.m.
During this closure, the bi-directional, single-lane traffic plan will be in place.
Crews will work over the coming weekends to replace the 60 remaining panels on the bridge span grid deck. At least three additional weekend lane closures will be required to complete all of the bridge work, and the weekend, single-lane closures will continue until mid-December.
Future single lane closures are scheduled as follows:
- No work scheduled over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
- Friday, Nov. 30, from 9 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 3, at 5 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 7, from 9 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 10, at 5 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 14, from 9 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 17, at 5 a.m.
In addition, on Monday, Nov. 19, crews will perform four, brief bridge lifts to confirm the functionality of the counterweights of the bridge lift mechanism. These lifts will last up to 15 minutes and will occur between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
During the weekend work, north—and southbound traffic will be able to use the bridge. All work is weather dependent.
Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when using the crossover and need to pay close attention to the lane markings. Motorists should anticipate delays in both directions and are advised to avoid the Route 17 area near the bridge during weekend work. The Interstate 664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) can be used as an alternate route.
Motorists are encouraged to call 511 or the Traffic Information Line at 757-361-3016, visit www.511virginia.org, or listen to Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) 1680 AM for current traffic and travel information.
