FREDERICKSBURG – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin a major rehabilitation project on the Route 14 bridge over North End Branch in Mathews County next week.
Starting Monday, April 14, crews will begin work to improve the 76-year-old structure, located on Route 14 between Plantation Road and Bookers Lane.
The $3.5 million project will replace the bridge superstructure, improve safety and extend the life of service of the structure. Superstructure is the part of the bridge that absorbs the live load, which is the weight of vehicle traffic.
During construction, the speed limit on Route 14 over North End Branch will be reduced to 35 mph from 55 mph and temporary traffic signals will be installed to alternate one-way traffic through this work zone.
With this project’s close proximity to another project, VDOT will also reduce the speed limit on Route 14 from 55 mph to 45 mph between this project and the other at Route 3/Route 14. The distance between the two projects is less than a mile.
Weather permitting, the temporary traffic signals will be activated into flash mode on Tuesday, April 22 and placed into full color operation on Friday, April 25. The temporary traffic signals will be equipped to assist emergency service vehicles. The signals will activate to give priority to first responders and ensure they pass through the work zone as quickly as possible.
Starting Monday, April 28, a vehicle width restriction will be posted to 10 feet through the work zone to enhance safety.
The work zone speed limit, temporary traffic signals and vehicle width restriction will be in place until construction is complete in June 2026.
Route 14 travelers should expect delays until project completion.
Message boards will be posted tomorrow, April 8 to alert travelers to the future work zone.
Updates will be posted online to the project page at vdot.virginia.gov.
