Henrico Times

Today, Congressman Rob Wittman expressed approval for the announced advancement of the Robert O. Norris Jr. Bridge replacement project. Governor Glenn Youngkin revealed that construction would start in 2028, significantly earlier than the originally planned schedule, due to funding from the Commonwealth Transportation Special Structures Program Revenue Bond Act of 2025.

The Norris Bridge, opened in 1957 and now categorized as "fracture critical" by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), plays an essential role in connecting the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. It currently handles over 7,500 vehicles each day.

“For years, I have fought to ensure that the replacement of the Norris Bridge remained a top priority at the local, state, and federal levels,” Wittman stated. "This announcement is a major win for the people of Virginia’s First District, who deserve safe, modern infrastructure that meets today’s transportation and safety standards. Advancing this project eight years ahead of schedule reflects the urgency and importance of this effort."

Governor Youngkin highlighted the joint efforts leading to the project acceleration: “Thanks to Congressman Wittman’s years of dedicated advocacy with Secretary Duffy, former Secretary Chao, and others, along with the strong collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels, we are in a position to accelerate the construction of a new Norris Bridge.”

Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III also emphasized the bridge’s future benefits: “This replacement bridge will have an incredibly positive impact for the citizens and travelers between the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. At over sixty percent wider, this bridge will not only be a much safer connection, but it will also help spur economic activity between these two important peninsulas. Congressman Wittman's strong advocacy has been instrumental in bringing us to where we are today."

Congressman Wittman has consistently supported the bridge replacement. His advocacy includes communication with various transportation officials over the years, from writing letters to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to working with local authorities.

Preliminary work on the engineering and right-of-way acquisition has begun, with plans for the new bridge to be built beside the existing one, ensuring continued operation during construction. After completion, the old bridge will be dismantled safely.