Route 220 Bridge Replacement Begins in Highland County

STAUNTON – Construction begins this month to replace the Route 220 (Potomac River Road) bridge over Strait Creek in Highland County. Contractors plan to install signs and concrete barriers beginning January 13 as they prepare for the roughly year-and-a-half project.

Once the work zone is fully established, Route 220 will be limited to a single lane with temporary traffic signals in operation 24/7. Motorists should be alert for stopped traffic as they approach the bridge. A vehicle-width restriction of 12 feet will be in place. Temporary closures and detours may be needed during certain phases of construction. The Virginia Department of Transportation will provide updates as needed.

The Route 220 project replaces a 1931 two-lane structure that has reached the end of its service life. The new bridge will also have two travel lanes but will provide wider shoulders. It will be built in the same location, which is just south of the intersection with Route 629 (Strait Creek Road).

In November 2025 VDOT awarded a $4.9 million construction contract to Fairfield-Echols LLC of Fishersville. Completion is scheduled for August 2027. All work is weather permitting.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.

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