[EXPIRED] Update and Comments: Steel Bridge Replacement Construction, AICW Statute Mile 8.8
We just get the Gilmerton Bridge construction completed and another project begins – lasting until 2017! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this replacement project will have fewer navigation disruptions. Dominion Boulevard Steel Bridge crosses the Waterway north of Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, VA.
VA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – ELIZABETH RIVER (SOUTHERN BRANCH) TO THE ALBERMARLE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL
Mariners are advised that construction work, by McLean Contracting Company, will commence in February 2013 and will extend through March 2017 for the replacement of the existing Dominion Boulevard/US 17 (Lift) Bridge across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, at AIWW mile 8.8, in Chesapeake, VA (commonly known as the Steel Bridge) and its approaches, with a new 95-foot high-level fixed bridge and new approaches on essentially the same alignment. (Latitude 36o 44’ 10” N, Longitude 76o 17’ 40” W). The operation will consist of construction of a new bridge, removal and replacement of the bridge fender system, demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a second new bridge, along with in-water work involving pile driving, concrete pier construction and girder erection. Tugboats will be used and will monitor VHF Channel 13 in the event that mariners need to contact the contractor. Mariners should check for future notices on this replacement bridge project and use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart 12253
Update LNM: 31/14, August 5, 2014
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Virginia Bridge Directory Listing For Dominion Blvd. Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dominion Blvd. Bridge
Comments from Cruisers (2)
On Friday, April 10, northbound, I stopped at Great Bridge at 1545 thinking I would be held up until 1800 at Steel Bridge. To my surprise (and chagrin), the next morning lock-though brought me to a functioning high-rise “steel bridge”; the old low-slung steel bridge was no more. Another on-the -hour obstruction gone south of Norfolk. That’s the good news. Had I known, however, I could have kept on and dined that Friday evening at one of my favorite spots along the AIICW, Portsmouth’s Cafe Europa, That’s the source of my chagrin.
No problem yesterday from the construction but note the Steel Bridge is very strict and despite three southbound trawlers within a minute of the bridge they would not stay open. So we all had to float around for an hour till the next opening.
Monika