VDOT outlines the long journey ahead to replace the Norris Bridge

March 27, 2024

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge isn’t the only big span in the news this week — the Norris Bridge is as well, but thankfully for less deadly reasons. It continues to stretch across the Rappahannock River from the Grey’s Point area to White Stone on a recent calm, overcast morning. (Staff photo)

by Jackie Nunnery –

As the proverb goes, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Interested community members on both sides of the Rappahannock River gathered Tuesday, March 19, for a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) information session as part of the years-long process to replace the aging Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge.

“We are excited for the enthusiasm in moving forward on this journey of the Robert O. Norris Bridge replacement project,” said Marcy Parker, VDOT Fredericksburg district engineer. The replacement bridge represents “the biggest project in the Fredericksburg district and a very significant infrastructure program for Virginia,” she said.

Parker said the final design of the bridge has not been determined, but because minimum standards have changed, the replacement bridge would incorporate those standards, which include increasing the width of the two travel lanes from 11 feet to 12 feet; adding four-foot shoulders; and increasing the height of the side railings from 32 inches to 42 inches. “These are minimum standards and not necessarily what the design will be.” While roughly 7,500 cars currently make the river crossing daily between Grey’s Point and White Stone, it is being designed for the 11,500 vehicles expected by 2050.

Timeline

There are 14 steps to get to the bridge opening over the next decade or so, though Parker said “we do not have to finish one step before we start the next step” and most dates are not known at this time. They did share that surveying is complete and the site assessment plan, which focuses on constructability as well as the type and location of the structure, is ongoing and would be finished by spring…

Written and oral comments can still be submitted by email to norrisbridgereplacement@vdot.virginia.gov; or online comment form. The deadline is Friday, March 29.