JRB to remain open in both directions

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - VDOT has revised its weekend construction plans for the James River Bridge (JRB) in a way that will allow traffic to flow in both directions while the work is being done.

To make this happen, traffic on the JRB will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The lane restrictions will begin at 9 p.m., Sept. 28 until 5 a.m., Monday, Oct. 1. VDOT will remove some of the barrier walls to allow an opportunity for crossover for drivers after they pass the construction area, according to spokeswoman Lauren Hansen.

VDOT has rescheduled repairs on the James River Bridge southbound not to overlap with work on the Hampton Roads-Bridge Tunnel eastbound.

Grid replacement work on the JRB will resume Friday, Oct. 5 at 9 p.m. to Monday, Oct. 8 at 5 a.m.

VDOT says they expect it will take at least seven more weekend lane closures to complete the bridge work. Those dates have not been determined but the organization emphasized that the I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel will be open during the weekends the JRB work is being done.

VDOT also recommends drivers use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as an alternate route.

For additional project information visit: www.JamesRiverBridgeDeck.org