VDOT to Begin Major Bridge Replacement Over Mattaponi River

Categories: National Construction NewsNews

Impact of the ongoing bridge replacement project on Route 207, illustrating the construction activity and traffic adjustments.

News Summary

The Virginia Department of Transportation will initiate a crucial bridge replacement project on State Route 207 over the Mattaponi River. With a budget of $9.6 million, the project aims to improve structural integrity and safety. Construction is set to begin soon, with significant traffic changes expected during the nine-month closure of the northbound bridge. The project, executed by Kokosing Construction Co. Inc., reflects VDOT’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure safety and maintenance in the region.

Caroline County, VA – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is set to launch a significant bridge replacement project on State Route 207 (Rogers Clark Boulevard) northbound over the Mattaponi River, beginning on Monday, July 21, 2025. This initiative, with a total budget of $9.6 million, aims to enhance the bridge’s structural integrity and safety for daily commuters.

The project will involve the replacement of the superstructure, including the steel-plate girders and concrete deck. Additionally, repairs will be made to the substructure, and the bridge’s railing and approaches will also be replaced. As construction progresses, the current Route 207 northbound bridge will close to traffic in late August 2025, remaining closed for approximately nine months, with an expected reopening in April 2026, weather permitting.

During this closure, Route 207 will experience significant changes. All northbound traffic will be redirected to the southbound section of the bridge, which will accommodate one travel lane in each direction. It is anticipated that the daily traffic on the route, which averages around 12,000 vehicles, will be impacted by the shift in traffic pattern and the closure of the bridge.

To ensure safety during construction, the speed limit in the work zone will be reduced temporarily from 60 mph to 45 mph. VDOT plans to install message boards along Route 207 to alert drivers of the upcoming closure and provide updates as the project progresses. Signs indicating the altered speed limit will be placed prior to construction and activated once work begins.

The responsibility for executing this bridge replacement project has been awarded to Kokosing Construction Co. Inc., a contractor that has previously worked on several similar infrastructure projects. The move is part of VDOT’s ongoing commitment to maintain and improve the roadways throughout Virginia, ensuring they remain safe for both residents and travelers.