SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY - A Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) project to replace the Route 671 (General Thomas Highway) bridges over the Nottoway River is estimated to begin next week. Starting as early as Jan. 4, the first of two scheduled closures for the project is estimated to begin in both directions on Route 671 between Shady Brook Trail and Buckhorn Drive through fall 2021. A second closure in this same location is expected to be in place again starting in early 2022 and lasting through fall 2022.
During these closures, the two existing bridges over the Nottoway River will be replaced with two new bridges that will meet current design standards. Once completed, the roadway will carry two 12-foot lanes and 9-foot shoulders. The project also includes roadway improvements to the approaches to the bridges and new storm water management facilities.
Signed detours will be in place directing traffic to Route 58 (Southampton Parkway) and Route 35 (Meherrin Road) as follows:
From Route 58 east to Route 671 south:
- Take the Route 35 (Meherrin Road) exit
- Turn right to proceed south
From Route 58 west to Route 671 south:
- Take the Route 35 (Meherrin Road) exit
- Turn left to proceed south
Traveling Route 671 north:
- Take Route 35 to the Route 58 interchange
- Proceed to the right for Route 58 east
Crowder Construction Company was awarded the $11.8 million construction contract and will begin work on the project in January 2021. The bridge replacement project is estimated to be complete in fall 2022. All construction work is dependent upon weather conditions.
For additional travel alerts, motorists are encouraged to follow @VaDOTHR on Twitter, visit 511virginia.org, call 511, or download the free Virginia 511 mobile app.