NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Drivers should plan for another lengthy closure of the James River Bridge spanning the weekend as maintenance work is underway, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) warns.
Single-lane closures in both directions could begin as early as 7 p.m. Thursday, February 1. Then, from 1 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, the bridge will be fully closed to all traffic, including boats that require a bridge lift.
Transportation officials said there will be signs directing drivers to detour onto the Interstate 664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT). Another alternate route is the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and Route 460.
Meanwhile, vessels not requiring a bridge lift can continue through the navigational channel under the bridge.
Once crews complete their work, the department warns there could still be impacts to maritime travel in the following 24 hours as officials ensure the bridge pan is aligned and operating as it should.
During the closures, VDOT said crews will be performing "critical maintenance work." This includes replacing the second set of counterweight ropes used to lift the bridge.
This is the second of two multi-day closures planned for the route due to the Wire Ropes and Replacement Project. In mid-January, the project forced the JRB to close for four days, opening slightly early.
For the latest updates on traffic impacts, head to VDOT's website or call 511.