News Summary
The Virginia Department of Transportation announced the start of a bridge replacement project on State Route 207, aimed at enhancing safety and structural integrity over the Mattaponi River. The project involves significant upgrades, including the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure and repairs to the substructure. Construction will lead to northbound lane closures and a reduced speed limit to improve safety in the work zone. The project is expected to take approximately nine months, with full capacity restoration for Route 207 once completed.
Fredericksburg, VA — Major Bridge Replacement to Begin on State Route 207 in Caroline County
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that construction on a significant bridge replacement project along State Route 207 (Rogers Clark Boulevard) in Caroline County will commence next week. This project aims to enhance safety and structural integrity of the bridge spanning the Mattaponi River, with work scheduled to begin on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Project Overview and Scope
The total investment for this project is approximately $9.6 million. The primary focus involves a comprehensive replacement of the bridge’s superstructure, including steel-plate girders, the concrete deck, railing, and bridge approaches. Additionally, substructure repairs will be carried out to ensure long-term stability. Overall, these upgrades are designed to improve the safety and durability of the crossing for years to come.
Construction Timeline and Traffic Disruptions
Construction activities will necessitate the closure of the northbound lane of Route 207 over the Mattaponi River. The bridge is scheduled to be closed to traffic beginning in late August 2025. During this closure, all northbound traffic will be diverted to use the southbound bridge, which will be configured to support two lanes—one in each direction—to accommodate traffic flow. The closure is expected to last approximately nine months, with the bridge anticipated to reopen in April 2026, weather permitting.
To minimize inconvenience and enhance safety during construction, the speed limit in the work zone will be temporarily reduced from 60 mph to 45 mph. Work zone speed limit signs will be installed prior to the start of construction and covered until the work begins, then uncovered to alert drivers of the reduced speed limit.
Communication and Safety Measures
VDOT will post message boards along key routes to inform drivers of upcoming lane closures and scheduled diversions. Motorists traveling through the area are advised to plan for delays and follow posted signs closely. During the project period, Route 207 will be reduced to two travel lanes, with traffic in each direction managed on the remaining bridge. This setup is intended to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the extensive construction process.
Contractor and Additional Details
The contracted construction firm for this project is Kokosing Construction Co. Inc.. Their responsibilities include the full replacement of the steel-plate girders, concrete deck, and other structural work necessary for the bridge’s rehabilitation. The project’s completion will restore the full capacity of Route 207 for the daily average of about 12,000 vehicles that rely on this route each day.
Background and Context
The bridge over the Mattaponi River on Route 207 has been identified as needing replacement due to age and structural concerns. Replacement of such infrastructure is part of ongoing efforts by VDOT to maintain and improve transportation safety and reliability across Virginia. The bridge’s upgrade will support current traffic demands and enhance resilience against future weather-related or environmental risks.
Motorists and residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any updates through official notices and message boards. VDOT emphasizes that safety and communication are priorities throughout the duration of the construction effort.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Philadelphia Launches I-95/BS2 Construction Project
Additional Resources
- Fredericksburg Free Press: Route 207 Bridge Construction
- Google Search: Caroline County bridge construction
- Fredericksburg Free Press: Area Road Work Update
- Wikipedia: Bridge
- 12 On Your Side: Fiery Crash on I-95
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