On Monday, contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation completed the first phase of repairs to mechanical components that assist with opening and closing the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge. As a result, motorists can expect bridge openings to return to the previous average duration of approximately 25 minutes, a VDOT release stated. In November 2025, a mechanical issue required crews to operate, adjust and monitor the double-swing span bridge manually during each opening, resulting in extended openings of up to 42 minutes. Over the past week, crews installed new hydraulic equipment that allows the bridge to be opened and closed in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for manual extended openings, the release stated. This serves as a short-term solution to repair failed parts, stabilize operations and improve reliability. The same approach will be replicated on other similar equipment and further integrated to the bridge control system in the future. Bridge o...