‘Bridge’ leading to town marina is deteriorating
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| VDOT will not repair the small deteriorating bridge leading to the Urbanna Town Marina at Upton’s Point. (Photo by Tom Chillemi) |
by Tom Chillemi
Officially it’s not a “bridge.” However, VDOT has recommended closing or restricting loads on the bridge-like structure that leads to the Urbanna Town Marina at Upton’s Point.
The bridge at the end of Oyster Road is 16-feet long and crosses the drainage point of Jamison Cove.
VDOT’s underwater inspection of the bridge in August “revealed several critical deficiencies that warrant prompt corrective action.” The town was notified of the problem in mid-December.
VDOT’s memo to the town states it “does not meet the requirements of a ‘bridge’ as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations.” VDOT also states it “will not be taking any further action at this time.”
Among VDOT’s findings is that there is extensive cracking and de-lamination of supports of the concrete structure.
Also, the most significant areas with layers of concrete flaking and de-lamination are near the bearing areas of the beams.
One of the abutments has “extensive undermining” from water.
In recent years, the approach to the bridge, but not the bridge itself, was repaired with concrete.
A private engineer looked at the bridge in December and recommended that the weight be limited to 5,000 pounds, town employee John Halpin told council at its January 12 work session.
Town administrator John Bailey said a sign will be erected warning motorists of the weight limit.
Halpin said this week that Phase II of the Urbanna streetscape improvement plan does not include repairing the bridge.
The town will file for an extension to complete Phase II, which would improve Virginia Street from Cross Street to the Urbanna Town Marina at Upton’s Point. However, construction would not include the bridge.
The total estimated cost for Phase II is $1.35 million. The town’s share is 20%, about $226,000. However, the payment schedule calls for the town to pay the entire bill, then get reimbursed for 80% by VDOT under the Transportation Enhancement Program Grant.
The town has not funded the project, which was applied for in November, 2005.
