BRIDGES: FHWA Administrator Mendez visits Gilmerton Bridge replacement project

Oct. 9, 2012

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez recently visited Chesapeake, Va., for an update on the Gilmerton Bridge replacement project, which will help relieve congestion in the Hampton Roads area.

 

"This project is an example of President Obama's plan to rebuild America's transportation infrastructure," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Replacing this critical bridge means jobs today and economic growth well into the future."

 

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez recently visited Chesapeake, Va., for an update on the Gilmerton Bridge replacement project, which will help relieve congestion in the Hampton Roads area.

"This project is an example of President Obama's plan to rebuild America's transportation infrastructure," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Replacing this critical bridge means jobs today and economic growth well into the future."

The new Gilmerton Bridge on Military Highway will be a lift-span bridge and is expected to be completed in early 2014. It will replace the existing double-leaf bascule bridge, which swings to the side to accommodate river traffic. The bridge was constructed in 1938 and has reached its life expectancy. The bridge is a vital transportation route for more than 35,000 motorists a day.

The higher vertical clearance of 35 ft in the closed position will accommodate marine traffic traveling on the Elizabeth River with fewer bridge openings and road traffic stoppages, which will help relieve congestion on U.S. 13 and I-64. The new bridge will be wider to accommodate the future widening of Military Highway from four lanes to six.

"This bridge will be built to accommodate the future needs of the region," Mendez said. "Virginians are closer to having a new bridge that will make it easier for workers to get to their jobs and for businesses to deliver their goods and products."

The bridge is being built with prefabricated bridge parts to accelerate construction by building the center span off-site and then placing it onto the bridge.

The total cost of the project is $134 million, including $113 million in federal-aid funding.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.