Project Description

The existing bridge along Elbow Road goes over the spillway waters from the Stumpy Lake reservoir. This bridge is structurally deficient and during prior heavy storm events the spillway waters have overtopped the bridge deck. This bridge replacement project will construct a new bridge above the 100-year flood elevation, while also taking into consideration sea level rise. The roadway approach in Virginia Beach will also be raised above the 100-year flood elevation.

The average daily traffic (ADT) volume along the project corridor of Elbow Road is approximately 8,300 vehicles per day. The traffic projection for 2040 along the corridor is expected to grow to 14,000 vehicles per day. The project limits along Elbow Road are approximately 500 feet west of the city line with Virginia Beach to 850 feet east of the city line with Virginia Beach. The project will demolish the existing bridge and provide a higher elevated and wider structure.

The project design includes constructing a new bridge over spillway from the Stumpy Lake reservoir. The new bridge will be constructed in the footprint of the existing bridge, thereby requiring demolition of the existing bridge structure. The new bridge includes 12-foot lanes and four-foot, ten-inch shoulders. The bridge construction will require a long-term detour of Elbow Road. The City will be further evaluating the required detour length as the design progresses.

Project Diagrams

Select each diagram below to view in high resolution in a new window.

Project Overview

Elbow Road Bridge Replacement Exhibit (PDF) Opens in new window

Typical Sections

Elbow Road Bridge Replacement Typicals Sections (PNG)

Project Plans

(Note: document is multiple pages via PDF)

Elbow Road Bridge Plans (PDF) Opens in new window

Anticipated Schedule

Design Completion: Early 2024

Project Budget

The project budget will cover engineering, land acquisition and construction costs. Project costs are preliminary and subject to change depending on final design features, inflation, utility relocation and easement acquisition costs.

Budget: $7.5 million (see note)

Note: The City of Virginia Beach will contribute an additional $2 million to this project for road improvements of their side of the bridge.

Right-of-Way

Improvements will require acquisition of right-of-way along the corridor. Currently, there are six parcels affected by the project. Prior to the acquisition process and construction, all required right-of-way and easements will be clearly identified on the construction plans and reviewed with the affected property owners.