Construction of new Rappahannock River bridge to begin eight years early

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The groundbreaking for a new bridge over the Rappahannock River is now expected to happen eight years ahead of schedule, according to the Virginia governor's office.

On Tuesday, April 15, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that plans for a replacement to the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge -- connecting the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula over the Rappahannock River -- will begin in 2028.

The original plan's groundbreaking was set for 2036.

The new bridge project is expected to include wider travel lanes, fully functional shoulders and higher guardrails, according to a release from the governor's office. The project will reportedly be funded through the Commonwealth Transportation Special Structures Program Revenue Bond Act of 2025.

“It is time to build a modern bridge that will serve the communities of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula for the next 100 years,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Today we are accelerating construction of a new Norris Bridge to meet the daily travel needs of residents and businesses, and to welcome visitors to these scenic waterfront regions.”

The current Norris Bridge stretches nearly 2 miles in length -- from Lancaster County to Middlesex County -- carrying an average of 7,560 vehicles across it every day.

For more information about the Robert O. Norris Bridge Replacement Project, visit the VDOT website.