CENTERVILLE TURNPIKE BRIDGE EXTENDED CLOSURE
CHESAPEAKE – The City of Chesapeake is performing a major rehabilitation project on the Centerville Turnpike Bridge, which will require the complete closure of the bridge to vehicle traffic beginning July 28, 2019, and lasting approximately six months. Residents can learn more about the project and follow updates online at the project webpage at www.cityofchesapeake.net/centerville.
Why the Project is Necessary
Centerville Turnpike is a major thoroughfare than connects Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, and carries a significant volume of traffic – about 16,000 vehicles each day. Additionally, the bridge crosses the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the primary marine traffic lane that carries boaters up and down the inland waters of east coast. Without these repairs, the bridge may not be able to open and close reliably, which could lead to numerous unplanned closures of the bridge and safety issues for motorists and boaters alike. This project will improve the infrastructure, resulting in a safer, more reliable bridge for years to come.
Reason for Bridge Closure
The bridge structure must be removed from the roadway to allow workers to access and repair the mechanism that allows the bridge to open and allow marine traffic to pass through, as well as other important repairs including lead paint removal, bridge deck replacement and other infrastructure improvements.
Detour Route
The detour route on the south side of the Centerville Turnpike bridge Mt. Pleasant Rd. to the Rt. 168 Great Bridge Bypass to Kempsville Rd. and Battlefield Blvd. The detour route on the north side of the bridge utilizes Butts Station Rd. to Kempsville Rd.Centerville Turnpike will remain open to local traffic, allowing traffic to enter and exit the neighborhoods and businesses nearest the bridge.
Traffic Relief Efforts
The City of Chesapeake is implementing a variety of traffic mitigation strategies throughout the full closure period to ease some of the traffic burden on adjacent roads. These measures include:
- Temporary suspension or nighttime-only scheduling of all other non-emergency projects that would include impact to major traffic thoroughfares throughout the City. This includes projects by Public Works, Public Utilities, Development & Permits, and their associated contractors.
- Adjustments to traffic signal timing on adjacent roadways.
- Potential suspension of scheduled openings of the Great Bridge Bridge on Battlefield Blvd. during peak traffic periods.
Media Availability
To request an interview or more information, please contact Public Communications at (757) 382-6241.
City of Chesapeake
Department of Public Communications
306 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 382-6241
