Jordan Bridge nearing completion

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Final touches on the Jordan Bridge which connects Portsmouth, near the Naval Shipyard, to Chesapeake's South Norfolk area are in full swing.

The two-lane, high-level bridge was planned to avoid interruptions of maritime or vehicular traffic because there are no lifts. This is expected to help ease traffic congestion at area bridges and tunnels, according to bridge manager Kevin Crum.

"Any traffic we take off of [other bridges] is going to make your commute that much better," Crum said.

Pedestrians or bikers will be able to cross the bridge at no charge, but drivers will have to pay a $2 toll.

"If I had to travel it, I'd be very disappointed to have to pay that kind of toll," Suffolk resident Tim Carter said. "It's quite a bit."

Crum said the company did everything possible to keep tolls down to a bare minimum, and that drivers can use an E-Z pass to pay the toll.

"We really did everything to our best ability to bring the toll down to the $2 rate," Crum said. "This project is completely private. There's no city or state or federal funds used."

A grand opening celebration with a number of activities is tentatively planned for July 14, with fireworks that evening.

An accident during construction on June 21 may delay the opening , according to Robin Magrisi, a communication specialist for the bridge.

Crum said 6,000 to 7,000 vehicles used the old Jordan Bridge before it closed in 2008.