Proposal calls for replacing Route 1 canal bridge

There is a proposed replacement project in the works for the small Route 1 bridge over the Fredericksburg Canal in Fredericksburg.

Don't expect anything to happen anytime soon. If the proposal is approved, work wouldn't start until 2028.

Planners are looking for input on the plan at a public hearing Thursday, from 5-7 p.m. at James Monroe High School.

Plans and maps will be on display and Virginia Department of Transportation staff will be on hand to answer questions.

The meeting will be an open house format and will allow for public comments on the proposal.

There are other ways to comment on the project, through Oct. 28, VDOT said in a news release.

An online survey on the proposal is available. Comments also can be emailed to and sent by mail to Mr. Byrd Holloway, VDOT Senior Project Manager, 87 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405.

The $21.4 million calls for replacing the four-lane span over the canal and the path that runs through the city. The bridge opened in 1946. The span was widened in 1974.

The canal bridge's structure is listed in poor condition by VDOT.

Along with widening the bridge, the proposal calls for adding new sidewalks on the span and approaching the bridge. The plans also call for connecting the sidewalk to the canal path south of the bridge.

Another possible improvement includes an increase in clearance between the bridge and the canal path.

According to VDOT's news release, that improvement depends on how "practicable" adding height there would be.

The path would be closed during the project, with a detour in place.

Work would impact traffic on Route 1, though all four lanes would remain open most of the time, VDOT said. Lane closures would happen overnight and during off-peak travel periods.

Scott Shenk:

Transportation and Spotsylvania County government and schools