Replacement of Adkins Road bridge to begin in December

It’s going to be a while before the Route 618 (Adkins Road) bridge at the border of Charles City and New Kent will be usable.

VDOT resident engineer Mike Cade announced to Charles City supervisors during the July 23 meeting that work on the structure would not commence until this December. Once repairs begin, Cade expects the work to be completed within 3-6 months, targeting a spring 2014 completion.

When questioned by county supervisors, the VDOT representative said that the emergency bid process is still continuing, along with other inspections. Cade also told supervisors that residents have been moving barriers and driving across the bridge, posing a hazard for workers. He concluded by saying the recommendation from inspectors was for no type of traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, use the bridge in any way and if the matter continues, video surveillance may be used to identify those who trespass.

The bridge is one of three roadways that connect Charles City and New Kent counties. Drivers are instructed to use Route 155 (S. Courthouse Road) and Route 60 (Pocahontas Trail) as an alternative route. The bridge closed on May 23 after a thorough inspection revealed hidden corrosion. The entire deck and railings of the bridge will be replaced.