One lane on the 21st Street N. bridge over I-66 is closing for two months starting today (Monday).
Until early August, only northbound traffic may pass over the bridge near the MOM’s Organic Market north of Courthouse. Then the opposite lane will closed as construction crews complete deck work on the other side, the Virginia Department of Transportation said in a press release.
Southbound 21st Street traffic is now being detoured via N. Scott Street, Langston Blvd and N. Veitch Street. Pedestrian access to the bridge and the Custis Trail, which runs under the bridge, is unaffected.
Rehabilitation work on the bridge, built in 1980, has been ongoing since last summer. The $4.1 million project is meant to extend the life of the bridge and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, according to a project page.
Workers are resurfacing the bridge deck, closing deck joints, replacing bearings and repairing concrete piers and abutments.
“Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones,” VDOT said. “Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.”
A complete press release is below.
Beginning Monday, June 3 around 7 a.m., the 21st Street North bridge over I-66 will be open to northbound traffic only for approximately two months due to deck work, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Until early August, one lane will be closed along the bridge to complete the work on that side of the bridge, then the opposite lane will be closed to complete work on that side. Pedestrian access along the bridge will be maintained at all times, and the Custis Trail beneath the bridge will remain open.
Southbound 21st Street traffic will be detoured via 21st Street/North Scott Street, Langston Boulevard (Route 29) and North Veitch Street back to 21st Street. Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.
The one-way traffic pattern will only apply to the section of 21st Street between North Uhle Street and North Courthouse Road; 21st Street will remain open to traffic in both directions between North Veitch Street and North Uhle Street, and between North Courthouse Road and North Scott Street.
The work is part of the project to rehabilitate the 21st Street North bridge over I-66. The project, which will improve safety and extend the overall life of the bridge, is scheduled for completion this fall.
Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.
You can get traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511virginia.org, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.
