Gilmerton Bridge closes for two weeks

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - The Gilmerton Bridge will close for approximately two weeks beginning Jan. 7.

Photos: Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the closure is part of the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project. The bridge will be closed to all traffic beginning at 5 a.m. Jan. 7 and will remain closed at all hours of the day and night.

One lane of the bridge will close from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 to remove materials and prepare for the replacement project.

During the construction, a new bridge clearance of 35 feet will be installed. It will reach 135 feet when the bridge is opened and will also be wider to accommodate for the future expansion of Military Highway to six lanes.

"It's a very big operation for us, everybody is excited and it's going to be a great sight to see," said deputy project manager Matt Liffick.

Maritime traffic will be affected for a five to 10-day period, VDOT added.

Document: Gilmerton Bridge float-in route

Motorists are encouraged to use the High Rise Bridge on Interstate 64 or the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge in Chesapeake.

VDOT added the Coast Guard will enforce a closure at the Intracoastal Waterway mile 5.8 for a five to 10-day period.

Click here for additional details on the VDOT Gilmerton Bridge Project.