Officials consider earlier Norris Bridge replacement

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on Tuesday, Dec. 10, updated a nearly full Lancaster Elementary School Theater on the long road to a replacement for the Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge.

During the public hearing on the environmental assessment, VDOT Fredericksburg district engineer Marcia Parker said the $694 million project, currently slated to begin construction in 2036, could begin earlier if VDOT receives more funding. “Money is the only answer” to speeding up the process, she said.

They are waiting on the results of a Large Bridge Infrastructure Grant from the Federal Highway Administration that could award up to 50% of the cost. “If we only need half the cost, it could accelerate (the timeline),” she said. A decision is expected in January 2025.

The initial environmental assessment, which looks at the benefits and impacts to people, natural resources and cultural resources, determined that an upstream location of the replacement bridge was the most cost effective and would provide the least impact to property and environment. In the process, VDOT reached out to state and local agencies as well as community stakeholders to elicit feedback on the project and its impacts.

The hearing was an effort to receive feedback from the public. Questions were asked about impacts to nearby wetlands and oyster grounds during construction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Virginia Marine Resources Commission will determine mitigation efforts during the permitting process, noted VDOT assistant environmental director Scott Smizik. Detailed impacts to oyster grounds would be determined during the design phase of the project, added VDOT bridge engineer Annette Adams…