The contractor for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) James River Bridge Wire Ropes Replacement Project has announced their approved schedule to implement two extended roadway and maritime closures in January and February 2024 at the Route 17 James River Bridge between Newport News and Isle of Wight County. As part of the project to replace the bridge’s 80 counterweight wire ropes that are necessary to lift the bridge span for marine traffic, the contractor must implement two separate, 100-hour full operational closures at the bridge for maritime traffic that require bridge openings and all vehicular traffic.

Scheduled Closure Dates:

• 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16
• 1 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6

Backup Closure Dates:

In the event the scheduled closures cannot be implemented, VDOT will provide advance notice to the public for the following approved backup dates:

• 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 19 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23
• 1 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 through 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12

During the full closures, all traffic will be detoured to the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as one of the primary alternate travel routes. Additional alternate routes include the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and Route 460.

For maritime travel during the closures, marine vessels that do not require a bridge opening can continue to use the navigational channel under the bridge throughout the project’s duration. However, during these timeframes, no bridge openings can be performed for marine vessels that require a bridge lift. Maritime travel impacts may extend up to an additional 24 hours to ensure the bridge span is aligned and operating properly after a series of test lifts; however, VDOT will provide updates should this extension occur.

To receive updates about the JRB Wire Rope Replacement Project and other transportation developments, sign up for VDOT notifications by taking any of the following steps:

• Visit the VDOT JRB Project website and sign up for email updates.
• Sign up for “MOTORIST” text notifications via email.
• Sign up for “MARITIME” text notifications via email.
• Sign up via text message by texting the keywords below to 833-748-0519:
• For road closure update, text “MOTORIST.”
• For maritime closure updates, text “MARITIME.”

For additional information and answers to project-related questions, please review the Frequently Asked Questions provided on the VDOT project website.

Festive celebrations, family dinners, and flickering lights make the holidays magical, but they also pose fire risks. The Newport News Fire Department and the Village Green community encourages everyone to stay safe this holiday season. Below are some tips from the Newport News Fire Department to ensure you and your family remain safe this holiday season.

Holiday Decorations

• Select decorations that are flame-resistant or flame retardant.
• Use flameless candles.
• Ensure that lights can be used indoors or outdoors.
• Replace broken or frayed lighting strands.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent cord damage.
• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Turn off all light decorations when leaving the home or going to bed.
• Keep live trees well-watered!

Holiday Entertaining

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and tell guests about your home escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters locked away from children.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
• NEVER use water on an electric, grease, or gas fire.

Fall Prevention

• Clean up spills immediately.
• Install nightlights.
• Use a slip mat for the bath.
• Clear traffic areas of clutter.
• Use tape to secure area rugs.

For more tips, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s Holiday Fire Prevention webpage.