Culpeper, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will carry out intermittent nighttime weekend closures on U.S. 29/250 at the Route 601 (Old Ivy Road) overpass in Albemarle County to advance a major bridge construction project. The closures will take place during three time blocks: 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday, 10 p.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday, and 9 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday.
Project to Replace Aging Bridge
The work is part of a project to replace the Route 601 bridge, which was originally built in 1961 and currently carries about 8,000 vehicles each day. As part of the replacement effort, VDOT will install a new bridge deck and beams, rehabilitate the existing piers, and slightly raise the structure to improve vertical clearance for vehicles traveling underneath on U.S. 29/250.
According to VDOT, these closures are essential to ensure the safety of construction crews and motorists while this critical infrastructure improvement is underway. The bridge replacement is designed to extend the structure’s lifespan and accommodate modern transportation needs.
Detours for Passenger Vehicles and Trucks
Separate signed detours will be in place during each closure to manage traffic flow. For truck drivers traveling north, the detour will direct them onto Interstate 64 east to exit 124, then west along U.S. 250 (Richmond Road) before taking the ramp for U.S. 29 north (Emmet Street/Seminole Trail).
Passenger vehicles and local traffic heading north will follow U.S. 250 Business (Ivy Road) to Emmet Street. For drivers needing to reach destinations south of the closure, the detour will route them via the U.S. 29/250 west exit at Route 601, turning left onto eastbound U.S. 250 Business, and then making an immediate right to rejoin U.S. 29/250.
Safety and Weather Considerations
“All work is weather permitting,” VDOT noted, urging drivers to use caution in the construction zone and to obey all posted detour signs. The department advises motorists to plan ahead for delays and allow extra travel time during the weekend closures…