The Gwynn’s Island bridge will resume scheduled openings for marine traffic beginning at 11 a.m. Monday.
VDOT had previously announced that the openings would resume this past Monday, May 1, but an additional week was needed to finish fitting and installing several parts that operate the bridge’s movable swing span, said a press release from the Virginia Department of Transportation. The parts were fabricated to meet the specific dimensions of the bridge.
Testing of the new mechanical and electrical equipment operating the swing span began on Saturday, April 29, and will be underway throughout this week. During testing, and at other times when the bridge is open for marine traffic, motorists on Old Ferry Road can expect to be stopped for approximately 30 minutes. If no marine traffic is present at the time, no opening will occur.
In the event of an emergency on the island during an opening, the swing span will be returned to the closed position.
When scheduled marine openings begin, they will be limited to six times a day, at 2 a.m., 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m.
Work on the $10.7 million rehabilitation project will continue through this fall. When all work is completed, the bridge will be able to resume opening for marine traffic on demand.
For more information, visit virginiadot.org/projects/fredericksburg/route-223-old-ferry-road-over-milford-haven.asp.
