Chesapeake, Va. – As part of the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project, the Gilmerton Bridge (Route 13/Military Highway) will close to all vehicular traffic for two consecutive weeks beginning at 5 a.m., Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, to accommodate the bridge lift span float-in and subsequent connection to the tower structures.
Maritime traffic will also be affected for a five to ten-day period during the closure. The specific date of closure is subject to change pending weather conditions.
Due to the complex nature of construction required during this two-week period, the bridge will remain closed in both directions to all traffic during the day, evening and overnight hours to ensure motorist safety.
Motorists are encouraged to use the Interstate 64 High Rise Bridge as an alternate route during the bridge closure. Additionally, the new South Norfolk Jordan Bridge in Chesapeake can be used as an alternate tolled route. For more information about this new option, visit http://www.snjb.net.
Additionally, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) will enforce a navigational closure at the Intracoastal Waterway mile 5.8 for a five- to ten-day period between Jan. 7 through 16, with the assistance of local marine law enforcement officers.
Updates concerning the two-week closure, waterway channel restrictions, and general information about the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project can be found at http://www.GilmertonBridge.org. For current traffic and travel information, visit http://www.va511.org, call 511, or listen to Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) 1680 AM.
Marine updates about channel restrictions at the Gilmerton Bridge can be accessed by consulting the USCG local notice to mariners and the USCG broadcast on VHF channel 16.
The Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project will provide a new lift span bridge over the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and replace the existing double-leaf bascule bridge that was constructed in 1938. The new four-lane bridge is on schedule for completion in early 2014.
