VDOT News - Culpeper

CULPEPER — Extended lane closures will soon begin on the Interstate 66 bridge over Route 731 (Cobbler Mountain Road) in the Delaplane area of Fauquier County. The project, which starts May 6, involves patching the bridges in both directions and applying a latex overlay to extend service life.

Virginia Department of Transportation contractor Martins Construction Corp. of Falls Church will perform a hydro demolition of the bridge decks and apply a high-strength concrete overlay. Hydro demolition involves using high-pressure water jets to remove deteriorated concrete to create a better bonding surface for the new concrete.

The hydro demolition and deck rehabilitation process will require extended single-lane closures on Interstate 66. One lane will be closed for about five days to allow the contractor to remove the deteriorated concrete, pour the new concrete and let the overlay cure. To reduce delays, VDOT will implement a zipper merge pattern at the work zone. Drivers should stay in their current travel lane up to the merge point and take turns merging — similar to a zipper — into the open lane.

Starting May 6, during daytime hours, the contractor will begin installing construction signs and close the left shoulder on the I-66 eastbound exit 23 ramp to Route 731.

On Thursday and Friday, drivers should expect alternating lane closures on I-66 while the contractor mills and prepares the bridge decks in both directions. Motorists will experience a bumpy riding surface until the contractor complete the overlay.

Weather permitting, the following lane closures are scheduled to complete the overlay and allow time for it cure:

• 10 p.m. May 12 through 3 a.m. May 16: Eastbound right lane closed
• 10 p.m. May 19 through 3 a.m. May 23: Eastbound left lane closed
• 8 p.m. May 20 through 8 a.m. May 23: Westbound right lane closed
• 10 p.m. June 2 through 8 a.m. June 6: Westbound left lane closed

Intermittent lane closures controlled by flagging are also possible on Route 731 during this work.

Drivers should expect delays especially during peak travel periods.  

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