Right lane of Route 1 northbound reopens Friday following Falmouth Bridge repairs
Fredericksburg, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has completed emergency repairs on the Falmouth Bridge, allowing the right northbound lane of Route 1 to reopen on Friday, March 14. The bridge, which spans the Rappahannock River between the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County, had been operating with a single northbound lane since November 1, 2024, due to urgent structural concerns.
A routine bridge inspection had revealed rapid deterioration in the steel support elements beneath the bridge deck, prompting VDOT to reduce traffic flow and implement weight restrictions. This measure was necessary to lessen the strain on the bridge and to provide construction crews with the necessary workspace to perform critical repairs.
Increased Weight Limits and Final Construction Steps
With the completion of structural work, weight restrictions that had been in place since November are now lifted. The vehicle weight limit has been increased to 27 tons for single-unit vehicles and 40 tons for tractor-trailers, replacing the previous limits of 16 tons and 24 tons, respectively. All legally weighted vehicles can now safely cross the bridge. Roadway signage is being updated to reflect these changes.
This week, crews will finalize spot painting to protect the structural steel from future deterioration. Additionally, construction equipment and scaffolding will be removed in preparation for reopening the right northbound travel lane. The sidewalk along the northbound side of the bridge will also reopen at the same time.
The Falmouth Bridge plays a crucial role in local and regional transportation, carrying approximately 40,000 vehicles daily. It serves as an alternate route for Interstate 95 and is essential for residents and commuters traveling between Fredericksburg and Stafford County. Although truck traffic represents only 1-2 percent of total vehicles using the bridge, maintaining its structural integrity is vital for all roadway users.
Originally opened in 1943, the bridge undergoes annual inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Additional evaluation conducted in the summer of 2024 provided critical data for the design of a larger-scale rehabilitation project. Currently, $86.2 million has been allocated in the Six-Year Improvement Program to fund future upgrades and long-term maintenance for the bridge.
Funding and Construction Details
The emergency repair project, estimated at $1.1 million, was carried out by Kokosing Construction Company, Inc., with design work completed by Whitman, Requardt, and Associates, LLP. The project was funded through state bridge maintenance funds.
As the Falmouth Bridge fully reopens, VDOT continues to emphasize safety and long-term improvements for one of the region’s most significant transportation links.
