VDOT Works On Traffic Detours As Chatham Bridge Closure Nears

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — With major renovations planned for the Chatham Bridge, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is making changes to an intersection in the City of Fredericksburg that is expected to see a large increase in traffic as traffic gets detoured away from the bridge while it undergoes a makeover. VDOT is on schedule to close the Chatham Bridge in May, giving drivers fewer options for crossing the Rappahannock River.

The 78-year-old Chatham Bridge carries about 16,000 vehicles a day on U.S. Route 3 across the Rappahannock River. The $23.4 million rehabilitation project is expected to increase traffic on nearby roads such as U.S. Route 1, which crosses the Rappahannock River to the northwest of the Chatham Bridge.

Virginia's "State of Good Repair" program is funding the Chatham Bridge project, as the bridge has been identified in need of significant maintenance. When work is complete, the project will make it safer and easier for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the structure.

To streamline the detoured traffic, Hanson Avenue traffic approaching the U.S. Route 1 intersection will be limited to right turns onto Route 1 southbound only. Hanson Avenue traffic will be prohibited from proceeding straight across the intersection to Princess Anne Street or making a left turn to Route 1 northbound. Instead, Hanson Avenue traffic seeking to reach Princess Anne Street or Route 1 northbound will be detoured to Germania Street, where there is an existing traffic signal with Princess Anne Street, VDOT said.

A new traffic signal will be added at the Princess Anne Street ramp to Route 1 northbound for traffic entering Route 1 northbound. The signal will allow for free-flowing right turns onto Route 1 northbound from Princess Anne Street during a green signal. Route 1 northbound traffic will be prohibited from turning left onto Hanson Avenue.

Work crews also are conducting utility work to prepare for the Chatham Bridge rehabilitation project. Road restrictions near the west side of the bridge will remain in place through mid-January, VDOT said. The utility lines, connected to the Chatham Bridge, are being moved in advance of the scheduled start of renovations on the bridge.

Chatham Bridge is expected to reopen in 2021 with a rebuilt surface and a 10-foot multi-use pathway separated from vehicular traffic.

As the start of the project draws closer, VDOT will share confirmed dates for the Chatham Bridge closure. A public meeting on the project will be scheduled before construction begins. VDOT will coordinate with the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County on efforts to promote the detour route and help residents, businesses and visitors succcessfully navigate to their destination during the project.