VDOT completed bridge in one day on Zimmerman

27 April 2020

After considerable planning and coordination, VDOT completed replacing the Zimmerman Rd Bridge in a single day.  Monday VDOT and their contractors removed and replaced the bridge over Glade Creek on Zimmerman Rd just south of Archway.

The new bridge replaces a steel and wooden span covered with asphalt that had a weight limit that restricted most large trucks and farm trailers from legally passing over bridge.  The new bridge was placed with two precast concrete spans, each weighing over 43000 pds.  This bridge has an unlimited weight limit and is much safer.

VDOT coordinated with Botetourt County Public Safety Officials so that Fire Rescue vehicles were strategically placed on the south side of the bridge span to allow for responses in an emergency.  This included a Tahoe and a Fire Engine from the Blue Ridge Fire Station.  VDOT provided a foot bridge to allow residents to cross and access both sides of the bridge during this process.

Local Residents enjoyed the day observing the VDOT crew and the contractors remove and place the bridge.

Mr. Ronnie Updike of West Rd in Blue Ridge was the first resident to cross over the new spans.

–From Bastian Freedman