The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced emergency measures on the Route 1 bridge over the Rappahannock River, commonly known as the Falmouth Bridge between Fredericksburg and Stafford County, as crews begin urgent structural repairs.

Starting last night, Friday, November 1, 2024, new vehicle weight limits of 16 tons for single-unit vehicles and 24 tons for tractor-trailers will be enforced, and the northbound right lane will be closed. These actions follow recent inspections revealing accelerated deterioration of the bridge’s structural steel in several areas, prompting VDOT to reduce traffic flow as a safety measure.

VDOT Fredericksburg District Engineer Marcie Parker emphasized the urgency of the repairs. “Many area residents cross Falmouth Bridge multiple times a day as part of their daily travel, and we know how critical it is to keep the Fredericksburg region moving, whether the trip is to work or school or you are a business owner making a delivery. We will work urgently to conduct these spot structural steel repairs and reopen all lanes as we advance efforts to accelerate the larger Falmouth Bridge project,” said Parker.

Inspection Results and Repair Needs

We reported on the bridge’s poor structural rating in June after inspectors observed deteriorating support elements. Since then, VDOT engineers have conducted further inspections to assess the bridge’s condition and identified areas where structural steel has weakened near the northbound right lane. The lane closure will remain in effect for several months until repairs are complete, reducing northbound Route 1 traffic to a single lane from Charles Street in Fredericksburg to Carter Street in Stafford County.

To assist drivers, message boards displaying the weight restrictions have been posted along Route 1, while VDOT fabricates permanent signs.

Bridge Condition and Upcoming Rehabilitation

Constructed in 1943, the Falmouth Bridge carries approximately 38,000 vehicles daily and serves as an alternative to Interstate 95. VDOT annually inspects the bridge, but due to its deteriorating condition, this summer’s assessment was expanded to gather details for an $86.2 million rehabilitation project scheduled in the state’s Six-Year Improvement Program.

“We’re reducing the weight of our heaviest vehicles on this bridge and closing a single lane as safety precautions,” said Parker. “But we would not hesitate to close the entire bridge if it was warranted for safety.”

Traffic Impacts and Alternatives

VDOT will monitor and adjust regional traffic signal timing to alleviate congestion caused by the lane closure. Vehicles that exceed the weight limit must use one of three other Rappahannock River crossings—Interstate 95, Route 3’s Blue and Gray Parkway, or Chatham Bridge on Route 3 Business.

Despite these changes, the pedestrian and bicycle path along the northbound right lane of the bridge will remain open for now, as it does not significantly impact bridge stress. However, access could be restricted once full construction begins.

Ongoing Project Updates

As VDOT continues with the emergency repairs, Fredericksburg area travelers will observe increased construction activity, including crews working beneath the bridge. Updates on the project’s progress will be posted on VDOT’s website.

With no cost estimate available yet, the emergency repairs will be funded through state bridge maintenance funds. VDOT is urging commuters to plan ahead for delays and exercise caution while the bridge is under construction.

The Falmouth Bridge, a critical connection between Fredericksburg and Stafford County over the Rappahannock River, is set for a major rehabilitation project. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has secured $86.2 million in funding for this endeavor. Construction is slated to begin in fiscal year 2029, with activities expected from summer 2028 through summer 2029, VDOT spokeswoman Kelly Hannon said.

Be sure to sign up for our free news email to get the latest updates on your commute.

Inspection and Preliminary Work:
Currently, VDOT is in the preliminary engineering phase. Crews are conducting in-depth inspections and surveys to identify all necessary repairs. This includes bridge deck examinations, geotechnical surveys, and soil sampling. These activities involve intermittent lane closures, which VDOT will announce to help drivers adjust their travel plans.

Planned Improvements:
Key improvements for the Falmouth Bridge include milling and overlaying the bridge deck, replacing the concrete rail, repairing the concrete substructure, and strengthening the structural steel girders. Additionally, there are plans to widen the sidewalk as much as feasible.

Construction Impact:
Unlike the Chatham Bridge project completed in 2021, which required full closure, the Falmouth Bridge will remain open to traffic throughout construction. The bridge, which carries nearly 40,000 vehicles daily, will undergo rehabilitation while maintaining traffic flow over Route 1.

Next Steps:
Preliminary engineering will continue throughout the year, with a report expected by the end of 2024. This report will provide alternative options and associated costs, leading to the selection of a recommended plan. The design team will finalize construction plans and traffic maintenance strategies. A public involvement phase will allow for community feedback on the proposed plans.

VDOT emphasizes the importance of public cooperation with work zone closures to ensure the safety of crews and the success of the project. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.