Reminder: Old Chesterbrook Road Now Closed

The bridge carrying Old Chesterbrook Road over Pimmit Run is now closed until Sept. 3.

About the Project: This project will replace the old and worn timber decking and steel beams with a more durable concrete superstructure. To finish most of the work before the next school year, crews have closed the bridge.

Work includes:

• Repairs to existing abutments
• New approach sidewalks on the north side of Old Chesterbrook Road, a pedestrian crossing, and connection to Pimmit Run walking trail
• Relocation of sewer pipe and a utility pole

The new bridge will continue to carry two lanes of traffic and a sidewalk, although the sidewalk and curb-to-curb width will each be slightly wider (one to two feet). The road alignment and elevation will see a minor change to match the bridge. 

The existing bridge was built in 1978 and has been structurally deficient for several years. In January 2012, inspections revealed advanced deterioration of the structural steel that downgraded the bridge’s condition rating and reduced the load-carrying capacity limit to 20 tons. This project was accelerated and approved for emergency procurement to replace the deteriorated elements and restore full-load capacity as soon as possible.

During the bridge closure, signs will direct drivers to detour via Westmoreland Street, Chain Bridge Road, Old Dominion Drive and Birch Road.

After the bridge re-opens in September, some additional daytime lane closures may be needed to finish detail work. The entire project is expected to cost about $1 million and be complete in November 2012.