ISLE OF WIGHT– VDOT crews will perform maintenance activities on the southbound span of the Route 17 James River Bridge (JRB) during the weekends of Feb. 8 and Feb. 15.
Single lane, weekend closures, for both north- and southbound traffic will begin on Friday, Feb. 8, beginning at 9 p.m., and continue until Monday, Feb. 11, at 5 a.m., and again on Friday, Feb. 15, beginning at 9 p.m. and continuing until Monday, Feb. 18, at 5 a.m., weather conditions permitting. Maritime traffic will also be affected during the weekend of Feb. 15.
The crossover traffic pattern that was used during the grid deck replacement project will be in place to switch traffic onto the northbound bridge.
Both north- and southbound traffic will be able to cross the bridge while crews work to replace the two standby diesel generators.
Motorists should anticipate delays in both directions, avoid the area if possible, and use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as an alternate route.
The Route 17 James River Bridge Generator Replacement Project involves replacing the two standby diesel generators that serve as emergency backup power to operate the lift span in the event of power failure. VDOT awarded W.F. McGann of Portsmouth, Virginia the contract for $1.2 million with an estimated completion date of October 2013.
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.
