Route 600 repairs estimated for June finish

Published 12:04 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2019

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) offered an update in an April 3 press release on its Route 600 repair efforts, which are estimated to be complete in June, weather permitting.

Officials noted in the release that in fall 2018, a storm damaged the structure on Route 600, Gully Tavern Road, over Little Saylers Creek in Prince Edward County and closed the road, which carries approximately 420 vehicles per day to traffic.

The storm did extensive damage to the bridge’s substructure, the press release cited. The release continued by stating that the substructure — the abutments and foundations — provide the support for the actual bridge, while the superstructure — the timber deck and steel beams — support traffic. Once water receded enough for a full inspection to take place, plans were made to address the damage, and a contract was put in place to handle these repairs.

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Officials said that since that time, the existing timber deck and steel beams have been removed from the structure and the damaged abutment has been repaired. Structural steel beams are being fabricated and galvanized, officials continued. Once delivery is made, final repairs and paving will take place, and the road will reopen to traffic. Currently, it is estimated that the work will be complete in June, pending weather.

A detour from Route 600 East to Route 617 South, Route 307 West and back to Route 600 is in place, the release highlighted. The detour is approximately 8 miles in length and takes approximately 14 minutes from one end of the bridge to the other.

The released concluded by noting that additional questions or concerns may be addressed by contacting Carrie Shepheard, P.E., acting residency administrator, at carrie.shepheard@vdot.virginia.