Gilmerton reopens after ammunition discovery

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - The Gilmerton Bridge was shut down for more than six hours Friday after old ammunition was found at the bridge site.

Kelly O’Sullivan with the Chesapeake Police Department said officers were alerted by a construction worker around 7:45 a.m. that an unknown quantity of military ordnance was found under the old portion of the Gilmerton Bridge on the South Norfolk side. The bridge was closed at 9 a.m. and re-opened around 3:30 p.m. after state and federal authorities investigated and deemed the site safe.

The Coast Guard also closed the southern branch of the Elizabeth River during the investigation. Marine traffic from Money Point to the Interstate 64 High Rise Bridge was suspended. 

"It seems like it's been closed a lot since they've redone it," driver Russel Craven said. "It's getting a little frustrating, but it would have been nice if they had the sign further back down the road. Still annoying, but part of the process."