Bridge reopens over Mattaponi River after repairs

KING WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A bridge over the Mattaponi River on Route 628, also known as Dorrell Road or Spring Cottage Road, has reopened following emergency repairs.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced on Wednesday, April 30 that the bridge -- situated at the King and Queen and King William county line -- is now open after work was done to replace several portions of the bridge's superstructure.

Initially, crews found "significant deterioration" within the bridge back in March 2023 during a routine inspection, according to VDOT, which resulted in the bridge being closed. Throughout 2024, crews replaced the bridge's beams, deck, rails and travel surface.

Crews are currently removing signs used to indicate the 22-mile detour that motorists took to avoid the bridge closure.