COURTLAND—A public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Southampton County Government Center for replacing the Route 35 bridge over the Nottoway River just west of Courtland.

County Administrator Mike Johnson said Virginia Department of Transportation officials will discuss the project with the Board of Supervisors during its 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, meeting at the Government Center.

Johnson expressed concerns to VDOT for public safety and economic impact on Courtland when the 83-year-old bridge is closed for nearly 23 months for replacement.

Construction on the $13.8 million bridge is expected to begin in September 2013, said Kris Purzycki, public information officer with VDOT.

A seven-mile detour is planned via Route 58 and Business Route 58.

Building a new bridge at a parallel location would greatly increase construction and right-of-way costs while also presenting unfavorable environmental impacts, Purzycki said.