
VDOT anticipates Route 717 will reopen to through traffic on Dec. 21.
Under a $665,202.70 construction contract, VDOT contractor Crossroads Bridge Inc. of Rural Retreat is working to replace the existing truss with a new truss.
Drivers north of the bridge should use Route 708 to Route 20 (Scottsville Road) to Route 712 (Plank Road) to get around the closure. Motorists south of the closure should reverse the detour.
The bridge was built in 1932 and carries about 70 vehicles daily.
Message boards will be in place soon to notify the public.
For more information about Virginia’s bridges and VDOT’s bridge inspection program, including current conditions of the state’s bridges, FAQs and video of a bridge inspection, visit www.virginiadot.org/info/Bridge.asp.