Temporary signals to be installed for all other traffic

By Jordan-Ashley Walker

COURTLAND

Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation will soon begin improvements on a Southampton County bridge, requiring tractor-trailer traffic to be detoured while work is underway.

On Monday, Sept. 16, crews will begin work on the superstructure of the Route 258 bridge over the Nottoway River, approximately two miles from the North Carolina state line. Although tractor-trailers will be detoured, temporary signals will be installed to allow the bridge to stay open to all other traffic while the work is completed.

One Southampton Academy bus and one Tidewater Academy bus that use the route will be exempt as that detour applies only to commercial traffic.

A signed detour will direct tractor-trailers around the bridge:

Route 258 South Detour

• Head north on Route 258 (Smiths Ferry Road) to Franklin

• Take Route 58 west (Southampton Parkway)

• Take Route 35 south (Meherrin Road) to Boykins

• Take a left at stoplight in Conway onto Route 158 east

• Take a left on Route 258 north (Virginia Boulevard)

Route 258 North Detour

• Head south on Route 258 (Virginia Boulevard)

• Take a right on Route 158 west to Conway

• Take a right at stoplight in Conway onto Route 35 north (Meherrin Road)

• Take Route 58 East (Southampton Parkway) to Franklin

• Take Murfreesboro exit onto Route 258 South (Smiths Ferry Road)

The bridge work, expected to continue into early November, will extend the lifespan of the 59-year-old bridge.

Motorists are advised to plan their commute by using VDOT’s free traffic information tools:

• Download the 511 smartphone app, or 511-integrated Waze app.

• Visit the 511 Virginia website or dial 511 for traffic information on your phone.

• Follow @511HamptonRoads and @VaDOTHR on Twitter.

JORDAN-ASHLEY WALKER is senior communications specialist for the Hampton Roads District of VDOT. Call 956-3028 or email jordan-ashley.walker@vdot.virginia.gov.