Jordan Bridge offers drivers incentives

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - The South Norfolk Jordan Bridge is using the Gilmerton Bridge closure as an opportunity to lure drivers to the new crossing.

The Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake will close for two weeks starting Monday morning at 5 a.m., while VDOT crews finish replacing the span.

The two alternate routes are the High Rise Bridge and the new Jordan Bridge. Of the two, the Jordan Bridge is typically the road less traveled.

Motorists told WAVY.com they already plan to use the High Rise as an alternate route. WAVY.com asked drivers if they would consider the Jordan Bridge during the Gilmerton closure.

"It's just not the way I go," driver Drew Wheelbarge said.

"Heck no!" South Norfolk resident Susie McNeal said. "I'll go to the High Rise Bridge and sit in the traffic. I'll use that $2 to put gas in my truck, not give it to them."

The electronic toll on the new Jordan Bridge is one of the reasons drivers say they avoid the crossing. Bridge officials are handing out incentives during the Gilmerton closure. Monday it will be free to cross the Jordan, and for the entire two weeks, toll prices will be reduced by $1.

And that's not the only promotion - signage is grabbing attention all over the area, especially those displayed by dancing workers.

"I just saw a few guys on Military Highway," Wheelbarger said. "I thought it was for the tax service thing and then I saw the sign said the Jordan Bridge is open."

Only time will tell if the incentives will increase traffic. McNeal said she can't be convinced, unless her favorite passenger, her toy poodle, approves.

"[The bridge] is too high for her," McNeal laughed.

The South Norfolk Jordan Bridge is also making it easier to get the E-Z passes by offering "On the Go" events.

Transponders are pre-loaded with $35 in prepaid tolls available for immediate use. Enrollment events are held from 2 p.m. through 5 p.m. at the corner of Victory & Elm in Portsmouth (outside NNSY Gate 36) and in front of Meiggs Hardware, 1153 N. George Washington Hwy. in Chesapeake.

Cash, check or credit cards are accepted. A full-service E-ZPass counter also is available at the Chesapeake DMV, 800 Greenbrier Parkway, across from Chesapeake City Park. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.