With a closed vertical clearance of 7ft, the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge is the third ICW RR bridge south of Mile Zero. The one-hour openings will require careful planning, good seamanship and patience.

ELIZABETH RIVER SOUTHERN BRANCH – RAILROAD BRIDGE MAINTENANCE

Mariners are advised that bridge maintenance will be performed on the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, mile 5.8, at Chesapeake, VA. To facilitate maintenance, the bridge will be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., from March 15, 2021, through March 16, 2021, March 20, 2021, through March 23, 2021, and March 27, 2021, through March 30, 2021. From noon to 1 p.m. on the closure dates above, the bridge will be maintained in the open-to-navigation position or will open for the passage of vessels on request or signal.
At all other times, the bridge will operate per 33 CFR 117.997(d). The vertical clearance of the bridge in the closed-to-navigation position is 7 feet above mean high water. Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may do so at any time. The bridge will on signal for emergency vessels as defined in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations 117.31, if at least one hour notice is given. Mariners should use caution when transiting the area. Chart 12253 LNM 10/21