FREDERICKSBURG – Passing zones will be removed from the Robert O. Norris, Jr., Bridge over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties.
Starting this weekend, the pavement will be marked between the Middlesex and Lancaster bridge approaches with a double yellow line, which indicates that passing is prohibited.
VDOT is removing the passing zones to encourage safe travel, at safe speeds, over the bridge. The posted speed limit on Norris Bridge is 45 mph. Traffic conditions will be monitored and VDOT may adjust the pattern if needed in the future. No decision has been made on the traffic pattern on the replacement bridge. Construction will begin on a replacement Norris Bridge in 2028.
The pavement will be marked between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, August 23. To accomplish this work, the bridge will be closed to all traffic during these two hours.
Emergency vehicles will be permitted to cross Norris Bridge during these two hours. Work crews will grant immediate access to any emergency vehicles.
Closing the bridge will avoid travelers getting wet paint on the exterior of their car. This has occurred during past pavement marking operations on the bridge due to the 11-foot-wide travel lane width. It will also prevent drivers from damaging freshly painted lines and extending the time needed to complete the work.
Message boards at the bridge approaches will notify travelers of the 2-hour closure scheduled for early Saturday. After the work zone is complete on Saturday, the message boards will notify travelers that passing is prohibited on the bridge.
Work is scheduled to occur weather permitting. Updates on this work zone are available on 511Virginia. Travelers can also download the free mobile 511Virginia app, or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.
