Zannino Engineering of Glen Allen bored for soil samples at the Urbanna Town Marina bridge Monday, July 27.
Urbanna Mayor Robbie Wilson III said the boring indicated clay, which is a good base for a bridge foundation.
The test results will give engineers data needed to design a foundation for a temporary bridge that could be set over the existing bridge that was closed to vehicle traffic in December. The existing bridge is more than 75 years old.
The geotechnical borings can also be used for a permanent bridge.
Wilson has said he hopes to have a steel bridge in place before the Urbanna Oyster Festival on Nov. 6 and 7.
Grant
Urbanna has been awarded a $450,000 federal grant, with no local matching funds required, to help replace the bridge. However, the grant funds have not been disbursed and getting them will take time.
On June 11, the Urbanna Town Council voted to spend $7,665 of town funds for the geotechnical work to get the bridge project moving forward.
