Weekend JRB work canceled for Sandy

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Work along the James River Bridge has been canceled in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says work on the southbound span of the James River Bridge will resume Nov. 2 during the overnight hours. While there will be single lane closures, both north and southbound traffic will be able to use the bridge.

All lanes of traffic will reopen at 5 a.m. Nov. 5 unless work is completed early.

VDOT adds six other weekend lane closures will be required to finish all of the bridge work. The schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 9 at 9 p.m. until Nov. 12 at 5 a.m. (southbound)
• Nov. 16 at 9 p.m. until Nov. 19 at 5 a.m. (northbound)

“Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when using the crossover and need to pay close attention to the lane markings,” VDOT said. “Motorists should anticipate delays in both directions and are advised to avoid the Route 17 area near the bridge during weekend work.”

Motorists can use the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as an alternate.

On Nov. 5, crews will perform four bridge lifts to test the span beginning at 9 a.m. The lifts will last around 15 minutes each and are scheduled to be completed by 2 p.m.

For more information, visit www.JamesRiverBridgeDeck.org .