Major Bridge Replacement on State Route 207 in Caroline County

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.

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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.

STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.

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