The Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Lift Bridge, with a closed vertical clearance of 6ft, crosses the Waterway at MM 2.6, near the community of Chesapeake, VA. There is no alternate route available, so adjust your float plan accordingly.

VA-NORFOLK HARBOR AND ELIZABETH RIVER-SOUTH BRANCH OF ELIZABETH RIVER – BRIDGE INSPECTION

Mariners are advised that the railroad drawbridge – Belt Line Railroad Bridge across Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), South Branch of the Elizabeth River, mile 2.6, in the City of Portsmouth, VA and City of Chesapeake, VA, will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position to facilitate a bridge inspection of the bridge vertical lift span. The bridge will be maintained in the closed position from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m.; on August 10, 2021, with an alternative date of August 12, 2021. The bridge will open on signal for daily scheduled openings at 1030 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m. The bridge will open for emergencies, if at least a 30 minutes prior notice is given. The project foreman may be reached on VHF-FM channel 13 and at (757) 285-5652. There is no immediate alternative route for vessels unable to pass through the bridge in the closed position. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating
regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(a). Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly and should use caution when transiting the area. Chart 12253 LNM 30/21