WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- Local and state officials, including Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton, will be on hand for today’s ribbon cutting of a new bridge designed to provide Woodbridge commuters relief from flooding.
The new, $18 million bridge that carries U.S. 1 traffic over Neabsco Creek near Cardinal Drive opened to traffic late last year.
In addition to Connaughton, Virginia delegates Scott Lingamfelter and Luke Torian, Prince William County supervisors John D. Jenkins and Frank Principi, as well as a staff from the Virginia Department of Transportation, will also be on hand for the dedication.
The old bridge, long known for its flooding, was replaced by a new bridge which rises seven feet higher than its predecessor. The new bridge was also built to accommodate six lanes of traffic, up from the previous four, said VDOT spokeswoman Jennifer McCord.
But plans to widen U.S. 1 from four to six lanes in Woodbridge have been placed on hold due to economic conditions. VDOT officials said if the road is widened, the bridge will be ready to accommodate the additional traffic.
When Tropical Storm Hannah’s rains affected the region in September 2008, the bridge was flooded and U.S. 1 closed for hours as Neabsco Creek spilled over its banks.
The road was eventually reopened when waters receded, leaving behind a muddy mess of trash, driftwood and debris.
Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.
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