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Starting as early as Thursday, Aug. 18, contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation will move on to the next phase of rehabilitating the U.S. Route 460 (Windsor Boulevard/General Mahone Boulevard) bridge over the Blackwater River in Isle of Wight County.

A VDOT news release stated that as early as Thursday, eastbound traffic will be shifted to the outside eastbound lane on the newly rehabilitated portion of the bridge, and westbound traffic will continue within the outside westbound lane on U.S. 460 between Zuni Circle and Tucker Swamp Road (Route 635). These lanes will continue to provide a single lane of traffic in both directions. 

Motorists must use caution as workers and equipment will be entering and exiting the work zone within the inside lanes from both directions during this time. 

As early as Aug. 25, westbound traffic will be shifted to the eastbound inside lane on the newly rehabilitated portion of the bridge, and eastbound traffic will continue within the outside eastbound lane on U.S. 460 between Zuni Circle and Tucker Swamp Road (Route 635). These lanes will continue to provide a single lane of traffic in both directions on U.S. 460, as these shifts allow for rehabilitation of the westbound side of the bridge. 

These traffic patterns are estimated to be in place through fall 2022, when a new traffic pattern will take place prior to completion of the project. A single, reduced-width lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on U.S. Route 460 until project completion. 

The temporary road configuration includes the use of barriers and markers to delineate lanes. Wide loads exceeding 10 feet 6 inches are advised to use alternate routes. 

The suggested alternate route for restricted vehicles is as follows: 

To U.S. Route 460 west:

• Turn left on U.S. Route 258;
• Take U.S. Route 58 Business to Route 35;
• Turn right on Route 616; and
• Turn left on U.S. Route 460.

To U.S. Route 460 east:

• Turn right on Route 616;
• Turn left on Route 35;
• Follow U.S. Route 58 to U.S. Route 258; and
• Turn right on U.S. Route 460.

Motorists are encouraged to visit www.511virginia.org, call 511, or download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app or the 511-integrated Waze app for current traffic and travel information.

VDOT and the contractor will work to minimize impacts and mitigate traffic issues as much as possible throughout the project duration. During construction, access will also be maintained for local businesses and residences. Motorists will be advised of any major additional lane closures, width restrictions or traffic shifts that may occur during the project. This work is dependent upon weather conditions; therefore, the schedule and duration of the work are subject to change.

For more information on the U.S. Route 460 Project over the Blackwater River in Isle of Wight County, visit the project website: www.virginiadot.org/projects/hamptonroads/route_460_over_blackwater_river.asp