VDOT awards $2.4M project for new Route 60 bridge in Lexington

A contract valued at $2.4 million was awarded to Fairfield-Echols LLC of Fishersville for the construction of the East Nelson Street (Route 60) bridge in the City of Lexington.  The contract was awarded by Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner Greg Whirley on Jan. 8.

This project will replace the existing bridge over Varner Lane located on East Nelson Street. The existing bridge, built in 1938, has two lanes with a sidewalk on the south side of the structure. The structure is currently posted with signs warning motorists that loads should not to exceed 19 and 26 tons.

The existing bridge will be replaced with a new, two-lane structure in approximately the same location as the existing structure. The new bridge has two 16.5-foot wide travel lanes, and 5.5-foot wide sidewalks on both sides with curb and gutter.

The bridge will be closed during construction and traffic will be temporarily detoured to Washington Street. Varner Lane through traffic under the bridge will also be closed during construction.

Project completion is anticipated to take one year.