Under Construction
Huguenot Bridge Reconstruction |
| Major construction underway |
Area Maps
Project Photos
Project at a Glance
October 2010
Est Completion Date
October 2013
Cost
Approximately $54.5 million
(includes preliminary engineering, right of way and construction)
Contractor
Tidewater Skanska Inc.
Locality
Henrico and Richmond
District
Richmond
Contact
Mike Saunders, project manager
804-272-1276
Project Updates
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Project photos on Flickr
TRAFFIC ALERT
May 18-19 (Sat.-Sun.)
7 a.m.-7 p.m. – Flaggers will alternate one travel lane over the bridge to allow crews to paint bridge girders. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
May 20-23 (Mon.-Fri.)
10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Flaggers will alternate one travel lane over the bridge for bridge deck work. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
May 24-27 (Fri.-Mon.)
No scheduled lane closures due to the Memorial Day holiday.
To avoid delays, drivers are encouraged to use the following alternate routes:
- Northbound Huguenot Road - Chippenham Parkway (Route 150) north over the Willey Bridge to River Road east to Huguenot Road or use Powhite Parkway (toll) east into Richmond
- Southbound Huguenot Road – River Road west to Chippenham Parkway (Route 150) south to Huguenot Road
Traffic Camera
As of May 10, 2013: The traffic camera on the north end of the Huguenot Bridge project has been removed to allow crews to prepare the area for the opening of the second half of the new bridge in late May/early June.
Traffic Impacts
Through spring/summer 2013
- Southbound traffic will remain in one lane from Three Chopt Road to just south of the Huguenot Bridge; where Huguenot Road widens to two lanes. In addition, Huguenot Road northbound traffic will remain in one lane from just north of the Huguenot Bridge until Huguenot Road widens for the left turn lanes at River Road.
- All Riverside Drive ramps on the south end of the Huguenot Bridge and Riverside Drive will remain closed through spring 2013. In addition, improvements will be made to Riverside Drive under the new bridge. Directional signs have been placed along the detour routes.
- Westham Station Road will remain closed to through traffic between Huguenot Road and Old Bridge Lane. Drivers who would normally access Panorama Drive, Highland Road or Old Bridge Road via Westham Station will use River Road as an alternate route.
Through fall 2013: The speed limit between Halesworth Road (south of the bridge) and the River Road/Huguenot Road intersection (north of the bridge) will be reduced from 45 to 35 mph for the duration of the project.
Project Information
Phase 2 Detour Map (PDF)
FACT SHEETS (PDF)
News Release (Oct. 26, 2012) - Expect Huguenot Bridge traffic delays overnight next week; Demolishing sections of the old Huguenot Bridge
News Release (Sept. 26, 2012) - Huguenot Bridge Beam Installations Resume Next Week; Expect temporary delays weeknights through Oct. 19
News Release (Sept. 14, 2012) - Huguenot Bridge Closing Overnight Sunday for Repair
News Release (August 15, 2012) - Huguenot Bridge Beam Installations Start Next Week; Expect temporary delays weeknights through early September
News Release (June 25, 2012) - Public Invited to Bid Farewell to the Huguenot Bridge on July 1; 62-year-old bridge will be open to cyclists and pedestrians only
News Release - Governor McDonnell (June 25, 2012) - Governor McDonnell Announces New Huguenot Memorial Bridge to Open in Richmond June 30
News Release (Nov. 23, 2010) - Public Invited to Attend Huguenot Bridge Information Meeting November 30
News Release (Sept. 15, 2010) - Commonwealth Transportation Board Approves $35 Million Contract for Huguenot Bridge Replacement Project
What's Being Done
The bridge reconstruction project involves replacing the existing structure with a new structure in approximately the same location as the current bridge. The new structure will have one 12 foot lane and one 10 foot shoulder in each direction. The 10 foot shoulder will function as both an emergency lane and a lane to allow bicyclists to safely use the bridge. In addition, there will be a five foot wide sidewalk on each side for pedestrians. The approach roadways on each end will only be improved as necessary to accommodate the bridge replacement.
More images
Why does the bridge need to be reconstructed?
Costly maintenance and repairs, the age and condition of the bridge, and the critical need for widening to allow for emergency vehicles all played a part in the decision to proceed with a reconstruction.
Phases of Construction
The new Huguenot Bridge will be built in two phases. The first phase will involve constructing the western half of the new bridge while traffic is maintained on the existing bridge. During phase two, traffic will be shifted onto the new section of the bridge that was built during phase one. At that time, the existing Huguenot Bridge will be torn down and the second half of the new bridge will be constructed.
VDOT will maintain one lane of traffic in each direction during construction with occasional lane closures during off peak hours.
Background
The Huguenot Memorial Bridge was constructed in 1950. It is considered a major transportation artery over the James River connecting Richmond city limits to the south and Henrico County to the north via Huguenot Road (Route 147). It carries more than 25,000 vehicles per day on average.
The bridge is one lane in each direction with a pedestrian sidewalk and no shoulders.
