Construction to
replace the East Nelson Street Bridge is expected to begin on or about 5
February.
The contractor,
Fairfield-Echols of Fishersville, will likely begin preliminary work such as
project boundary layout and temporary fence installation within the next week
to 10 days. The contractor plans to complete the project by mid-December 2013.
East Nelson St.
will be closed on or very soon after 5 February so dismantling and demolition work
may begin. Varner Lane will also be closed from north side of the bridge to
Short Street. The northern end of the Roy Smith Parking Lot will also be closed
during construction to serve as a work and storage area for the contractor. The
Virginia Department of Transportation will manage construction of the new
bridge for the city.
Temporary
Message Boards will be set-up during the week of 14 January at or near city
limit locations on Route 60, Nelson Street and Route 11, Main Street alerting
motorist to the upcoming construction.
The boards will remain in place for about three weeks.
In preparation
for this major project, City Public Works Crews are already making changes to
Washington St., which will serve as the primary detour route through the city
during construction. These temporary changes consist of removing 58 parking
spaces primarily located on the north side of Washington St.; removing the
bulb-out at the Stonewall Jackson House; repainting center lines and
eradicating other pavement markings; installing traffic calming measures in the
vicinity of Washington Lee University to create a safe Pedestrian Zone; and
changes to the traffic signals at Main St. and Jefferson St. to provide
protected left turns.
Motorists,
pedestrians, and bicyclists are advised to exercise caution within or near the
construction area and along Washington St.
