Under Construction: John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation in Loudoun County

Note: Beginning early in the week of Jan. 25, Featherbed Lane will be closed to through traffic between Milltown Road and Loyalty Road until fall 2021.

This project is rehabilitating the historic truss John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge that carries Featherbed Lane (Route 673) over Catoctin Creek. The bridge was originally built in 1889 on the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike (current Route 7) over Goose Creek to replace a bridge destroyed by flooding. In 1932, the bridge was dismantled and moved to its current location. 

The project improvements include:

• Installing the existing truss above a new steel beam and timber deck bridge
• Adding a new bridge pier
• Upgrading the bridge railings

The bridge averages 60 vehicles a day.

Estimated Costs
Preliminary Engineering - $1 million
Right of Way Acquisition - $25,000
Construction - $4.5 million
Total - $5.6 million

The project is financed with federal and state funding, including State of Good Repair funds used for bridges.

Benefits 

The project aims to improve safety and extend the overall life of the historic bridge.

Major Milestones 

Begin Preliminary Engineering – February 2017
Design Public Hearing - December 2018
Begin Right of Way Acquisition - July 2019
Advertise for Construction - September 2020
Award Construction Contract - November 2020
Begin Construction – January 2021
Begin Featherbed Lane Closure - Late January 2021
Final Completion - Fall 2021