| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Dawn Eischen (804) 524-6179 Richmondinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov |
RICH-0726 May 24, 2007 |
VDOT Posts Weight Restriction for the Varina-Enon Bridge
Affects only specially permitted loads
CHESTERFIELD/HENRICO COUNTIES—During a routine inspection of the Varina-Enon Bridge, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) found evidence of corrosion in one of six steel strands located inside the bridge along the southbound approach span. As a precaution, specially permitted loads over 57 tons (115,000 lbs.) will be restricted from driving over the bridge at I-295 south until repairs are completed. The northbound side of the bridge is not affected by this restriction.
“The bridge is structurally sound and can withstand normal traffic loads,” said VDOT Richmond District Structure and Bridge Engineer Gary Martin, P.E. “This weight restriction only affects trucks carrying overweight loads, which are required to have a permit and adhere to a designated route.” The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing permits and routing vehicles around restricted structures for both weight and clearance.
VDOT is posting signs and using variable message boards to communicate these restrictions to truckers. In addition, the DMV is contacting special permit holders to give them route instructions. Drivers carrying loads over 57 tons that had planned to use I-295 south over the Varina-Enon Bridge should call the DMV’s hauling permit section at (804) 497-7135 for further instructions.
VDOT inspects all bridges every two years. In fact, the last inspection for the Varina-Enon Bridge was in 2005. At that time, there was no evidence of corrosion in any of the steel strands.
“Routine bridge inspections are a critical part in maintaining structural safety,” said Martin. “In this case, we were able to identify a potential weakness before it became a more serious problem.”
Over the next few weeks, VDOT and contractors will make repairs to the bridge. Other than the posted weight restriction, I-295 south travelers will experience periodic lane closures during repairs.
The 17-year old, cable-stayed bridge spans the James River and connects Chesterfield and Henrico counties. The southbound side carries approximately 17,000 vehicles per day.
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“The bridge is structurally sound and can withstand normal traffic loads,” said VDOT Richmond District Structure and Bridge Engineer Gary Martin, P.E. “This weight restriction only affects trucks carrying overweight loads, which are required to have a permit and adhere to a designated route.” The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing permits and routing vehicles around restricted structures for both weight and clearance.
VDOT is posting signs and using variable message boards to communicate these restrictions to truckers. In addition, the DMV is contacting special permit holders to give them route instructions. Drivers carrying loads over 57 tons that had planned to use I-295 south over the Varina-Enon Bridge should call the DMV’s hauling permit section at (804) 497-7135 for further instructions.
VDOT inspects all bridges every two years. In fact, the last inspection for the Varina-Enon Bridge was in 2005. At that time, there was no evidence of corrosion in any of the steel strands.
“Routine bridge inspections are a critical part in maintaining structural safety,” said Martin. “In this case, we were able to identify a potential weakness before it became a more serious problem.”
Over the next few weeks, VDOT and contractors will make repairs to the bridge. Other than the posted weight restriction, I-295 south travelers will experience periodic lane closures during repairs.
The 17-year old, cable-stayed bridge spans the James River and connects Chesterfield and Henrico counties. The southbound side carries approximately 17,000 vehicles per day.
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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. 29, 2008
