The Virginia Department of Transportation is upgrading the communications systems at the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge.

Nora Jump-Scott, a VDOT spokesman, said the upgrade began in early May. She said a series of alternating lane closures is necessary for the work, with no openings for marine traffic allowed during those periods.

VDOT has been coordinating dates and times with the Navy, with a 30-day advance notice required so the Navy does not send ships through the bridge opening during work periods.

The fiber optic system is being replaced, Jump-Scott said. There’s nothing specifically wrong with the system, she said, but it’s showing "age and wear" and VDOT scheduled a routine upgrade now through its regular maintenance budget. The system includes the original fiber optics from when the bridge was expanded in the mid-1990s.

Another work period will be scheduled either the last week of this month or in early July; the project should be completed later in July.

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