Brooks Mill bridge work in Franklin County to impact Blackwater River stream access

SALEM – Work beneath the Route 834 (Brooks Mill Road) bridge in Franklin County over the Blackwater River will impact stream access starting Feb. 26. This section of the Blackwater River feeds into upper arm of the Smith Mountain Lake.    

Starting February 26, boaters will be unable to pass beneath the bridge due to the work to remove accumulated sediment and debris.

Weather and schedule permitting, the Virginia Department of Transportation is anticipating this bridge maintenance will be completed in late April. The stream will be no longer restricted at that time.

Paddlers, anglers and boaters who normally use the Blackwater River, downstream from the public launch point located off Route 826 (Golden View Road), will be impacted.