By Jordan-Ashley Walker

BOYKINS

Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation will soon begin improvements on a Southampton County bridge, requiring a portion of Route 667/Sykes Farm Road to close while work is underway.

Beginning as early as Tuesday, Oct. 15, crews will close Route 667/Sykes Farm Road to through traffic between Route 666/Old Branchville Road and Route 665/White Meadow Road. This closure will allow crews to replace the superstructure of the 47-year-old bridge over Tarrara Creek. A bridge’s superstructure is a key component of the bridge that helps to support the bridge deck, and replacing this part of the bridge will extend its lifespan.

A signed detour will direct motorists to:

• Travel east on Route 665/White Meadow Road for 1.3 miles to Route 668/ Clarksbury Road;

• Turn right onto Route 668/Clarksbury Road and travel south four-tenths of a mile to Route 666/Old Branchville Road;

• Turn right onto Route 666/Old Branchville Road and travel west seven-tenths of a mile; and

• End the detour at Route 667/Sykes Farm Road.

The superstructure replacement is expected to be completed in mid-December.

JORDAN-ASHLEY WALKER is a spokeswoman for VDOT. She can be reached at 956-3028 or jordan-ashley.walker@vdot.virginia.gov.