PETERSBURG, Va.— Interstate 95 north will be temporarily closed Monday night so construction crews can repair a damaged beam under the Washington Street bridge in Petersburg. The overnight interstate closure is necessary to allow workers to safely cut out the damaged section, position a new steel beam under the bridge and weld it into place.

VDOT contractors will begin lane closures along I-95 and I-85 north on Monday, December 11 at 9:30 p.m. By 11 p.m., all I-95 and I-85 north traffic will be detoured around the work zone. Traffic is expected to be restored by 5 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. In the event of inclement weather on Dec. 11, the work will be postponed to Dec. 12 at the same time.

For safety reasons, motorists will be restricted from traveling along I-95 north during the bridge repair work. The left lane will remain closed on the Washington Street bridge. A clearly marked detour will be in place to direct traffic around the work zone. I-95 and I-85 north motorists can expect delays of up to 30 minutes while traveling through this area. Traffic will be rerouted as follows:

• I-95 north travelers: Traffic will be detoured off the highway at Exit 50 (Rt. 301/460-Crater Road) onto the collector/distributor road adjacent to the interstate. Motorists will exit at Wythe Street, turn left at S. Crater Road, turn left on Washington Street and back onto I-95 north.
• I-85 north travelers: Motorists on I-85 north who wish to get to I-95 north will be detoured off I-85 north at Exit 69 (Washington/Wythe Street) to Wythe Street, turn left at S. Crater Road, turn left on Washington Street and back onto I-95 north.

Motorists traveling on I-95 north to Richmond or areas north of Richmond are encouraged to use I-295 north (Exit 46) as an alternate. Motorists traveling on Route 460 west in Prince George County who wish to use I-95 north to access Hopewell, Chesterfield, Richmond or locations north of Richmond are encouraged to use I-295 north from Route 460.

VDOT encourages motorists to drive safely through this work zone and follow these safety tips:

• Drive at posted speed limits
• Obey signs, transition devices and pavement markings
• Watch for flaggers and follow their directions
• Look for changes in work zone locations
• Stay alert
• Report work zone problems - call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD

Virginia motorists can get updates on I-95 work zones and other travel information by calling 511 or visiting www.511Virginia.org.

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008