Project Overview

This proposed project will replace the existing four-lane bridge over the Rappahannock Canal with a slightly wider four-lane bridge that meets current road and bridge standards. The existing bridge was built in 1946 and widened in 1974, and is in poor condition.

To the extent practicable, the new bridge will aim to improve the vertical clearance over the Fredericksburg Canal Path, which is a shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists that passes underneath the bridge.

Additional project improvements include:

• Accessibility upgrades connecting the sidewalk on Route 1 south of the bridge to the Fredericksburg Canal Path
• New sidewalk on the replacement Route 1 bridge
• New sidewalk along Route 1 approaching the bridge

During construction, the section of the Canal Path that is located directly under the bridge will be closed. Pedestrian access to the Canal Path will be maintained with a proposed pedestrian detour.

Four lanes of Route 1 will remain open at the bridge at most times during construction, with lane closures scheduled during overnight and off-peak travel times.

The project is being funded through Virginia's State of Good Repair program. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is administering the project for the City of Fredericksburg.

The project would be advertised to potential bidders for construction in late 2027, with crews anticipated to mobilize at the bridge in spring 2028.

Design Public Hearing

A design public hearing on this project has been scheduled for: 

*Thursday, October 17, 2024

5-7 p.m.

James Monroe High School

2300 Washington Avenue

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

*In the event a backup hearing date is needed, the hearing will be rescheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, and will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the same location. 

Stop by between 5-7 p.m. to review proposed project plans and materials, ask questions, and offer comment. VDOT representatives will be present to answer questions about the project in an open house format.

• Newspaper advertisement
• Draft environmental document
• Proposed aerial overview display
• Proposed typical section
• Proposed canal path detour
• Proposed sidewalk detour
• Project page on VDOT website at vdot.virginia.gov

Give your comments at the hearing or submit them by October 28, 2024, in one of the following ways:

• Submit comments online using the survey at the bottom of this page
• Mail comments to Mr. Byrd Holloway, VDOT Senior Project Manager, 87 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
• Email comments to fred.comments@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference "Route 1 Bridge Replacement over Canal Path" in the email subject line. 

​Project contacts

Mr. Byrd Holloway, P.E. 

VDOT Senior Project Manager

Curtis.Holloway@VDOT.Virginia.Gov

(540) 374-3367

and

Ms. Alexis Breeden

VDOT Senior Communications Specialist

(540) 547-1752 cell 

Alexis.Breeden@VDOT.Virginia.Gov 

Phase: Proposed

Locality: City of Fredericksburg, VDOT Fredericksburg District

Special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency: VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager at the phone numbers listed above.

Comment period closure: The comment period will close on October 28, 2024