New Broadway bridge scheduled to open Oct. 12

STAUNTON — The new Lee Street (Route 259) bridge over Linville Creek in the Rockingham County town of Broadway is scheduled to open to traffic on or about Thursday, Oct. 12. Since December 2022, contractors for the Virginia Department of Transportation have removed the old bridge and constructed a new one in the same location. During that time, Lee Street motorists have been using a traffic diversion and temporary bridge.

Although the new permanent bridge is expected to open October 12, Lee Street motorists should expect shoulder closures and occasional lane closures through spring 2024 during final phases of the project. This includes removal of the temporary bridge and its roadway approaches. Project details and traffic updates are found at https://bit.ly/Rt259BroadwayBridge.

The old Linville Creek bridge, constructed in 1951, had two 12-foot travel lanes and a four-foot wide sidewalk along the southern side of the structure. The new bridge was built in the same location but is about seven feet wider with a six-foot sidewalk.

In June 2022 VDOT awarded a $4.9 million construction contract to Fairfield-Echols LLC of Fishersville, Va.  The project has a contract completion date of April 26, 2024. All work is weather permitting, and the bridge-opening schedule is subject to change.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

Obtain traffic alerts and traveler information by dialing 511 or visiting 511Virginia.org. For other assistance, call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR- ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.

The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. The VDOT Web page is located at www.VirginiaDOT.org.