$23.4 million Chatham Bridge replacement project winding down

We're on track to the opening of a new Chatham Bridge. The two-lane structure over the Rappahannock River links Fredericksburg with Stafford County. The 80-year-old bridge was closed in June 2020 and was demolished. Now, a new bridge spans the width of the river, and it's expected to. Open by October. An opening date should be announced two weeks before opening day. The $23.4 million bridge replacement is on schedule to be complete within 16, rather than the 38 months time officials had budgeted for the project. A detour using the Route 3 bypass at Ferry Farm routed traffic around the construction. The Virginia Department of Transportation tells us:

When the improved Chatham Bridge opens in October 2021, it will provide pedestrians and bicyclists with a separate shared-use path that is nearly 10 feet wide. The bridge path will connect with existing sidewalks in downtown Fredericksburg and Stafford County's Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail. A scenic overlook will provide a refuge for pedestrians to stop at the bridge midpoint. New light posts will be installed, and new bridge railings will keep the distinctive open view of the Rappahannock River. View a simulation video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHojfOasmc8&feature=youtu.be> of the new bridge.

The project will replace the bridge deck and travel surface, and will make repairs to the bridge approaches and supporting elements in the substructure, which will allow the removal of the current 15-ton vehicle weight limit posting on the bridge. Final construction activities will continue after the bridge has reopened to traffic, and the contractor has until April 2022 to complete all work. The impact to traffic after the bridge reopens will be limited. Only periodic single-lane closures, scheduled at off-peak times, are anticipated to be needed. The Chatham Bridge opened to traffic in 1941. It carries an average of 16,000 vehicles a day.