You asked: Why all the work on the Godwin Bridge?
Published 9:42 pm Saturday, October 5, 2013
You asked: “(Does) anyone know the ultimate plan for Godwin Bridge? Why does this bridge need so much work?” — W.P., Suffolk
The plan for this bridge on the Suffolk section of Route 17 — a vital and busy thoroughfare — was to replace nine expansion joints and dams, repair 20 square yards of concrete decking, and replace about 17,475 square yards of epoxy resin, city spokeswoman Diana Klink says, and most of this has been completed.
“The Godwin Bridge has been in service for approximately 35 years and it required some maintenance commensurate with its age and use,” Klink said in an email.
But now the contractor has some additional work to do: touching up some areas where the epoxy’s application wasn’t so successful.
Temperature limitations make the epoxy tricky to apply, but it should provide a durable surface for almost 15 years when complete, Klink said.
Not that we’re saying all that is bad news, but the good news is that two recent weekend lane closures have been enough to “largely” complete the work that was challenging to get done in the cooler weather.
The Virginia Department of Transportation-funded project, which has been ongoing for a while now, was suspended around the start of 2013 until the weather warmed up.
Next on the list are pavement markings, including almost 100 lane markers, Klink said, and the expectation is that this will be completed by the end of this coming week.
“You Asked” is a new feature in the Suffolk News-Herald, and we want you to submit ideas for it. Ask a question about something you’ve always wanted to know, and we will track down the answer. Submit your ideas to news@suffolknewsherald.com with “You Asked” in the subject line.