Under Construction

Project Updates

To receive information about this project, please send an e-mail to GilmertonInfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov with the subject line: SUBSCRIBE. 

Project News

LANE CLOSURES RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY AT THE
GILMERTON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Motorists should adhere to directional signs and reduced speed limit

On Sunday, Jan. 24, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will implement two lane closures at the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement project. This work will allow the construction team to stage equipment and begin paving work in the median.

Weather permitting, the lane closures will begin at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning, Jan. 24. Military Highway (Route 13) East and West will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Bainbridge Road (Route 166) and Shell Road. The inside travel lane westbound, and outside lane eastbound will be closed for approximately six weeks. This is the first of several traffic configurations expected to take place for the project.

Travel delays are expected at the onset of these lane closures as motorists become more aware of the new traffic pattern. For the safety of the motoring public and construction crews, the speed limit will be reduced Friday, Jan. 22 from 50 MPH to 35 MPH for the project’s duration.  

 
This work is part of the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement project on schedule to be completed by October 2013.  

About the Project

The Gilmerton Bridge Replacement project on Military Highway in the City of Chesapeake will provide a new lift span bridge over the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River to replace the existing double-leaf bascule bridge that was constructed in 1938. 

The new bridge will be 1,908 foot long and will have a vertical clearance over the channel of 35 feet in the closed position and up to 135 feet when the lift span is opened. The project will be constructed in stages on the existing Military Highway alignment and will provide a bridge width of 85 feet to accommodate future widening of Military Highway from four to six lanes.

 

November 1, 2009 - Start construction

Winter 2010- Lane closures and speed reductions begin 

May 30, 2013 - Construction substantial completion

October 7, 2013 - Construction final completion

 

 

Current Bridge Information:

Located on Military Highway west of Bainbridge Boulevard
Crosses the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River
Twin bascule span, four lane bridge operated by the City of Chesapeake
Constructed in 1938
Height (At Mean High Tide): 11 Feet

Weight Limits:
    14 Tons/$28,000 lbs (Single Units)
    20 Tons/40,000 lbs (Semi-Trailers)
    27 Tons/54,000 lbs (Twin-Trailers)
The bridge opens on demand, except during restricted periods.

Rush Hour Restrictions:
    6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
    3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Contacts

Mitch Layton, VDOT, Construction Manager, 757-494-5481
Christina Licud, Public Relations, 757-473-8152