Under Construction: Route 223 (Old Ferry Road) over Milford Haven
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Work is nearly complete on a $10.7 million maintenance project to improve the condition of the bridge on Route 223 (Old Ferry Road) over Milford Haven at Gwynn's Island.
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, temporary traffic signals were removed from each end of the bridge's approach. Two-way traffic has resumed crossing the bridge.
For several weeks, bridge openings for marine traffic in Milford Haven will continue to occur on a schedule, up to six times a day. Openings occur at 2 a.m., 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. when marine traffic is present.
On-demand openings are expected to resume in early October 2023 for marine traffic. VDOT will issue a news release and update this project page when on-demand openings resume.
Built in 1938, the Route 223 bridge over Milford Haven connects Gwynn’s Island with mainland Mathews County. The bridge opens for marine traffic around 3,000 times a year, which is more than any other state-maintained movable bridge in Virginia. The current maintenance project improved the mechanical and electrical elements that operate the bridge’s movable swing span, made spot structural steel repairs, and renovated the bridge tender house.
Due to the condition of the bridge, openings for marine traffic had been limited since June 2021 to six scheduled times a day. When complete, the project will restore the ability of the bridge to open on demand for marine traffic.
Pardon Our Dust MeetingA public information meeting was held on April 18, 2022, to share information on this bridge project at the Gwynn's Island Civic League Center.
Benefits
When project is complete in fall 2023, the movable swing span can be opened at request/on demand 24 hours a day for marine traffic in Milford Haven, eliminating current schedule for six scheduled daily openings.
Improved overall bridge condition, with spot structural steel repairs and bridge tender house renovation part of this maintenance project.
Resources
Bill Collins, VDOT Construction Manager
(804) 690-4574
Kelly Hannon, VDOT Communications Manager
(540) 656-0321 cell
Major funding source: State Maintenance Funds
Phase: Under Construction
UPC: 116216
State ID: 0223-057-595
Lat/Long: 37.489918197112786, -76.31043380245279
Locality:
Mathews