Route 47 Bridge Project Completion Delayed

With safety in mind, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has delayed the completion of the Route 47 Bridge project in Charlotte County until the first of the year.

Originally scheduled for completion in December 2012, the project has encountered a number of issues that have created delays.  The most recent delay is a result of an issue with the materials the contractor elected to use for the formation of the parapet walls and railings.

Todd Bolling, P.E., area construction engineer, stated, “While we understand the frustration with and apologize for the delays, we cannot compromise safety and quality.  The materials issues resulted in an unacceptable product and will take time to repair.”

Contractor crews have begun the slow process of removing the concrete from the rebar steel.  This has to be done very carefully to salvage the metal which is used to strengthen the structure.  Once the concrete is removed and the steel cleaned, the walls and railings will be re-formed, any metal replaced, and the concrete re-poured.

Once the parapet walls and railings are in the proper condition, an overlay will be applied to the deck, the approaches will be paved and the structure opened to traffic.