THE INDEPENDENT NEWS
VIRGINIA BEACH— Maintenance work on Pungo Ferry Bridge that had been scheduled for January is now expected to begin late this month with anticipated closures of the bridge — which will only be on weekends — starting next month.
Initially, there will be a single-lane open to allow for travel across the bridge while work is performed, and weekend closures of the bridge are expected to start mid-March.
Once those weekend shutdowns begin, the bridge will close at 9 p.m., Fridays, and reopen at 5 a.m., Mondays. The closures are expected to last for about 10 weekends until May, according to a statement released by the city on Friday, Feb. 5. The overall project should wrap up in June, depending upon the weather.
On weekdays, the bridge will be open for travel crossings in either direction via a single lane that will be controlled by flaggers between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The 1991 bridge over the North Landing River connects parts of rural Virginia Beach, as well as the city to Chesapeake. It also is an important route between the North Carolina communities Knotts Island and Gibbs Woods to the Currituck County, N.C., mainland.
Work on the span includes repairing the deck and beams, bearing replacement and cleaning, painting and waterproofing of steel components, according to the Virginia Beach Public Works Department
Speaking in December, City Councilmember Barbara Henley, who represents the Princess Anne District, said the city has tried to accommodate agricultural businesses when scheduling the project.
It also has made plans to ensure public safety services for the affected rural communities.
A sum of $3.85 million in local funding has been set aside for construction and contingencies, according to the city’s capital spending plan.
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