Under Construction
Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge |
| Route 5 Bridge Replacement |
Area Map
Project Photos
Project at a Glance
Jan. 2007 (Construction)
Est Completion Date
July 2010 (this includes demolition of the old bridge); project is expected to finish several months ahead of schedule
Cost
$33.6 million (construction)
Contractor
Skanska, Inc.
District
Richmond
Contact
Public Affairs
804.524.6179
What's New
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) opened the new Route 5 Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge over the Chickahominy River to vehicle traffic January 24, 2009—approximately seven months ahead of schedule. The structure replaces the aging 70 year old swing span bridge.
The Project
A new fixed-span bridge has been constructed to carry traffic over the Chickahominy River. This bridge replaces the 70-year old swing span bridge.The new bridge rises 52 feet above the water, with two 12-foot travel lanes, two 10-foot shoulders and a 10-foot shared-use path (separated from the main roadway by a divider) incorporated into the Virginia Capital Trail project.
The full width of the is 56 feet eight inches from outside edge to edge and measures 2,550 feet in length. Construction extends from .38 miles west of the bank of the Chickahominy River on the Charles City County side to .18 miles east of the bank on the James City County side.
The old bridge will be demolished once traffic is shifted onto the new bridge. Final completion for the project is expected by July 2010.
Project Updates
Height Restriction for Marine Traffic
Boaters with vessels taller than 52 feet are restricted from passing under the bridge. News Release
Other News
Preliminary construction activities began in January 2007. Major construction activities began in May 2007.
May 21, 2007 news release: Route 5 Bridge Project Team Receives Governor's Award
Additional Information
If you would like additional information about this bridge project or would like to be added to our email list for updates on this project when available, please contact us at richmondinfo@virginiadot.org.
Impact on Traffic
VDOT and the contractor built the new bridge while allowing motorists to continue using the old bridge. Construction crews periodically opened the swing span (old bridge) in order to transport materials to the worksite on barges. This involved temporary delays in traffic.To increase motorist and worker safety, VDOT has extended the 35 mph speed limit to encompass the project limits--one mile on either side of the existing bridge. Local police are enforcing this speed limit. This speed limit will remain in effect during this project. VDOT traffic engineers will evaluate the speed limit closer to the project completion date to determine the appropriate speed for the driving conditions.
Features
Background:The old bridge is 2,025 feet long and is 24 feet wide from curb to curb. It was constructed in 1939 using timber pilings and has a concrete and steel driving deck. It functioned as a swing-span bridge, meaning it pivots on its axis to allow boats to pass through an opening rather than lifting upward like a drawbridge.
The bridge is commonly known as the Barrett's Ferry Bridge and was officially named the Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge in 2003.
Contacts
Public Affairs, 804.524.6179Harold Dyson, project manager
