Gilmerton bridge to open on schedule

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Promises of a wider, longer and higher Gilmerton Bridge continue, but some drivers say they are getting frustrated with the construction which started in November 2009.

The bridge crosses the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake along south Military Highway, and an average of 35,000 vehicles use it daily.

That's the promise as construction continues to replace the old Gilmerton Bridge.  It crosses the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake along South Military Highway.  Some thirty five thousand vehicles use it daily.

Driver Barry Boone drove from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach but was stopped by a bridge opening around noon.

"I hate it," Boone said. "It's holding up everything. It's tiresome to get in and out."

Another driver Nicky Copeland uses the bridge several times a day for work.

"It's always backed up," Copeland said. "We [have to] wait all the time. Hopefully it'll get done soon."

Completion is set for October 2013. The Virginia Department of Transportation's project manager Marc Papini says a lift span is scheduled for installation of the new bridge after Labor Day 2012. After that, the bridge will be closed to traffic for two weeks so other construction around the bridge gets done. 

Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes. Another closing is set for the weekend of Aug. 17 starting at 8 p.m.