Recently Completed
Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge |
| Route 5 Bridge Replacement |
Area Map
Project Photos
Project at a Glance
Jan. 2007 (Construction)
Est Completion Date
July 2010 (this includes demolition of the old bridge); project is expected to finish several months ahead of schedule
Cost
$33.6 million (construction)
Contractor
Skanska, Inc.
District
Richmond
Contact
Public Affairs
804.524.6179
What's New
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) opened the new Route 5 Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge over the Chickahominy River to vehicle traffic January 24, 2009—approximately seven months ahead of schedule. The structure replaced the aging 70 year old swing span bridge.
The Project
A new fixed-span bridge has been constructed to carry traffic over the Chickahominy River. This bridge replaces the 70-year old swing span bridge.
The new bridge rises 52 feet above the water, with two 12-foot travel lanes, two 10-foot shoulders and a 10-foot shared-use path (separated from the main roadway by a divider) incorporated into the Virginia Capital Trail project.
The full width of the bridge is 56 feet eight inches from outside edge to edge and measures 2,550 feet in length. Construction extended from .38 miles west of the bank of the Chickahominy River on the Charles City County side to .18 miles east of the bank on the James City County side.
Project Updates
Height Restriction for Marine Traffic
Boaters with vessels taller than 52 feet are restricted from passing under the bridge. News Release
Other News
In November 2006, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $33.6 million contract to Skanska, Inc. of Norfolk (news release) to construct the new bridge.
Preliminary construction activities began in January 2007. Major construction activities began in May 2007.
May 21, 2007 news release: Route 5 Bridge Project Team Receives Governor's Award.
Impact on Traffic
VDOT and the contractor built the new bridge while allowing motorists to continue using the old bridge. Construction crews periodically opened the swing span (old bridge) in order to transport materials to the worksite on barges. This involved temporary delays in traffic.
Features
Background:
The old bridge was 2,025 feet long and 24 feet wide from curb to curb. It was constructed in 1939 using timber pilings and had a concrete and steel driving deck. It functioned as a swing-span bridge, meaning it pivoted on its axis to allow boats to pass through an opening rather than lifting upward like a drawbridge.
The bridge is commonly known as the Barrett's Ferry Bridge and was officially named the Judith Stewart Dresser Memorial Bridge in 2003.
