In Design: John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation in Loudoun County

This project will rehabilitate the historic truss John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge that carries Featherbed Lane (Route 673) over Catoctin Creek. Conceptual Design Bridge Alternative 2A was the final rehabilitation option selected through consultations with stakeholders including the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the Federal Highway Administration. This option will restore the existing bridge to the previous 15-ton vehicle capacity.

The bridge is a single span steel pin connected Pratt through truss with a timber deck and asphalt overlay, supported on stringers and floor beams. It is 157 feet long, has an overall width of about 14 feet and clear roadway width of 11.16 feet. It carries one alternating traffic lane. 

• The bridge was originally erected in 1889 on the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike (Route 7) over Goose Creek, to replace a bridge destroyed by flooding.
• In 1932, the bridge was dismantled and moved to its current location. 
• The bridge was posted 15 tons in 2004 and reduced to 3 tons in 2013 due to insufficient capacity. 
• The bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1974.

Featherbed Lane averages 60 vehicles a day at the bridge.

Estimated Costs
Preliminary Engineering - $940,000
Right of Way Acquisition - $130,000
Construction - $4.5 million
Total - $5.6 million

The project is being financed with federal and state State of Good Repair funds used for maintenance of structures and bridges.

Benefits 

The project aims to improve safety and extend the overall life of the historic bridge.

Major Milestones 

Begin Preliminary Engineering – February 2017
Design Public Hearing - December 2018
Begin Right of Way Acquisition - July 2019
Begin Construction – Early 2021