Petersburg aims to replace bridge eroded by continued flooding

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- A Petersburg bridge needs to be replaced after continued flooding eroded one of its lanes, with the city estimating this will cost over $10 million.

The East Wythe Street Bridge -- located in the 300 block of East Wythe Street -- is heavily trafficked, with an average of 14,000 drivers crossing it daily, per the city.

On Friday, Aug. 22, city officials issued a press release regarding the ongoing closure along its left eastbound lane. This lane has significantly eroded due to continued flooding and is unsafe to use.

This erosion has been going on for years across multiple flooding events. Most recently, in mid-July, Central Virginia was battered by back-to-back storms that brought heavy downpours to the region.

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Petersburg was hit especially hard, with leaders declaring a state of emergency that is still in place as of the time of reporting.

The East Wythe Street Bridge in Petersburg, which has been damaged by erosion due to continued flooding. (Photo: City of Petersburg)

The city is working to design a new East Wythe Street bridge to replace this damaged one in what officials called a "vital infrastructure project."

The new bridge will include stormwater management systems and an improved roadway, "providing a more resilient and secure corridor for travel."

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The process is expected to be lengthy and cost an estimated $11 million. City officials are seeking grant funding to support the project.

Detours will be placed to guide traffic while this project is carried out.