Robert O. Norris Bridge Replacement Project
Robert O. Norris Bridge Replacement Project
About the Project
Funding to replace the Robert O. Norris Bridge on Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties was confirmed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in 2021, when it voted to approve the Special Structures 50-Year Long-Term Plan.
Preliminary engineering work is underway to provide the foundation for the successful design and construction phases of the project.
The Six-Year Improvement Program for FY 2023-2028, through the Special Structures allocations, included $9.9 million for preliminary engineering work necessary for the Norris Bridge replacement. An additional $5 million for preliminary engineering activities was included in the state budget.
Preliminary engineering activities that must be completed ahead of construction:
- Survey work (complete)
- Norris Bridge site assessment (complete)
- Geotechnical review (fall 2022-fall 2024)
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review
- Advanced right of way acquisition
Site Assessment: A Norris Bridge Replacement Project site assessment by consultant AECOM was conducted during 2022-2023. This assessment helps VDOT determine a recommended location for the new Norris Bridge and understand how the work zone would be staged to build the new bridge and demolish the existing bridge.
Geotechnical Review: Soil samples are being gathered through spring 2024 for the geotechnical review. The geotechnical review is being completed under a contract with RS&H, Inc., with project support from SaLUT-TLB, Inc., and Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP. This review will help VDOT understand the foundation that the new bridge will be built upon and is necessary for the design of the replacement bridge. Minimal impacts are anticipated to vehicle traffic and boat traffic during this geotechnical review work. No lane closures will be needed on the bridge, and no navigational channel closures will be needed in the Rappahannock River underneath the bridge.
Following these reviews, the next step will be the required environmental review to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, also known as NEPA, and the advanced right of way acquisition.
About the Bridge
The Norris Bridge carries Route 3 traffic over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties. It carries an average of 7,560 vehicles a day, and opened to traffic in 1957. It is a two-lane bridge, and each travel lane is 11 feet wide. The bridge is 1.9 miles long. Vertical clearance in the channel span for marine traffic is 110 feet. Vehicles weighing up to 45 tons are permitted to cross the bridge.
Project Benefits
- Replacement Norris Bridge would be a two-lane bridge with shoulders and a higher rail
- Maintains direct connection between the eastern ends of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, with nearest available crossing at Downing Bridge in the Tappahannock area
- Provides crossing open to vehicles of all weights
Citizen Information Meeting: March 19, 2024
Tuesday, March 19, 2024*
5-7 p.m.
Lancaster Middle School
Auditorium
191 School Street
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
*In case a backup meeting date is needed for inclement weather, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the same time and location.
Come see preliminary information and learn more about preliminary engineering activities on a proposed project to replace the Robert O. Norris Bridge, which carries Route 3 traffic over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff will deliver a presentation shortly after the meeting begins at 5 p.m. and will be available after the meeting through 7 p.m. to answer questions.
A project construction schedule and proposed design plans are not yet available. Additional public meetings and opportunities to submit public comment will be provided as the project advances.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, in the form of an Environmental Assessment (EA), is being developed to evaluate the potential impacts on the human and natural environments that could result from the proposed improvements. A public hearing will be held at a future date to gather comment on the Norris Bridge replacement project environmental review, and a design public hearing will also be held on proposed project designs when they are available.
In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register for Historic Places will be provided in the project's environmental documentation.
Meeting materials
All meeting materials will be posted to this page on March 19, 2024.
Citizen Information Meeting Newspaper Advertisement
Meeting Comment Sheet (Paper Copy)
How to comment
Give your written or oral comments at the meeting, or submit comments by March 29, 2024.
By mail
Please mail comments to Ms. Kelly Hannon, Virginia Department of Transportation, 87 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
By email
norrisbridgereplacement@vdot.virginia.gov
Online
Please take the online survey at the bottom of this page.
VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the VDOT staff member listed above at 540-899-4288 or TTY/TDD 711.
Additional project contacts
Ms. Kelly Hannon
VDOT Fredericksburg District Communications Manager
(540) 656-0321 cell
Kelly.Hannon@VDOT.Virginia.Gov
and
Ms. Annette Adams, P.E.
VDOT Fredericksburg District Structure and Bridge Engineer
Annette.Adams@VDOT.Virginia.Gov
Locality: Lancaster County and Middlesex County