Governor Glenn Youngkin took part in a ceremonial bill signing on August 28, 2025, to mark the passage of the Commonwealth Transportation Special Structures Program Revenue Bond Act of 2025 (SB 1082). The event was held on the Rappahannock River in Lancaster County. The new law will allow construction to replace the Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge to begin in 2028, which is eight years earlier than previously planned.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Ryan McDougle during the 2025 General Assembly Session, makes funds available for building a new Norris Bridge with wider travel lanes, functional shoulders, and taller guardrails. The original schedule had construction starting in 2036.
“Today, we are doing more than signing a piece of legislation, we’re delivering peace of mind to thousands of Virginians who cross this bridge every day,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “With this legislation, we’re moving forward nearly a decade ahead of schedule to build a modern, safe, and reliable bridge. This is about making life easier for the families, workers, and businesses who depend on this bridge and providing a more inviting gateway to Virginia’s beautiful Northern Neck.”
The Norris Bridge connects Route 3 traffic over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties. It opened in 1957 and carries an average of 7,560 vehicles daily. There are only two travel lanes and no real shoulders on the current structure. The next closest land crossing is about 40 miles away at Tappahannock via Route 360; if closed, detours would be up to 85 miles.
Because of its size and design complexity, the Norris Bridge is one of Virginia’s eighteen “Special Structures.” These bridges and tunnels are included in a long-term plan managed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), which updates its funding priorities annually.
Senate Bill 1082 authorizes CTB to issue up to $1 billion in revenue bonds—capped at $200 million per year—to support replacement or maintenance projects for these structures through the Special Structure Fund.
“Building safe, reliable infrastructure is foundational to the Commonwealth’s ability to attract and retain businesses, encourage tourism, and care for its residents,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “Today, we’re doubling down on our commitment to invest in the future success of our state by addressing the Norris Bridge and other critical bridge and tunnel projects with urgency.”
“Today, we are celebrating the acceleration of the Norris Bridge replacement, a critical infrastructure investment we have been fighting to achieve for over a decade,” said Senator Ryan McDougle. “This project is not just about concrete and steel; it’s about protecting lives and ensuring safe travel for thousands who depend on this crossing every day. We are making a critical investment in the safety of our communities, our families, and everyone who travels through the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Accelerating this replacement shows that we are serious about meeting the needs of Virginians and ensuring peace of mind for generations to come.”
“This project is about more than just replacing a bridge, it’s about protecting lives, safer travel and stronger economic opportunity for our region,” said Senator Richard Stuart. “I can’t thank the Governor and the Secretary of Transportation enough for getting this done so that we can get traffic moving across the lower Rappahannock River safely. Families, first responders, and businesses all stand to benefit.”
“The replacement of the Norris Bridge has been a top priority for our region for decades, and thanks to the hard work of numerous citizens combined with Commonwealth Transportation Special Structures Program Revenue Bond Act, that long-awaited day is finally in sight,” said Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent.“With this funding mechanism in place, we can now ensure a safe, modern, and reliable crossing that will serve our region including residents, visitors and businesses for generations to come. This is a victory for Lancaster County, the Northern Neck, and the Commonwealth as a whole.”
“I’m pleased the Norris Bridge replacement is finally being accomplished,” said Delegate M. Keith Hodges.“This is a project I’ve long supported to improve safety and road conditions for our region.”
Preliminary engineering work has started along with right-of-way acquisition activities needed before construction begins on what will be a design-build project featuring two travel lanes with shoulders built according to current standards as well as higher rails than those currently installed.
A public hearing will be scheduled so residents can review proposed designs before construction starts.
“Until the day the new bridge opens, our mission at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will include ongoing maintenance and inspection of the existing Norris Bridge,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich.“Our team of engineers, road designers inspectors,and maintenance staff will sustainthe bridge as wedeliver anewbridgeon timeand on budgetfor t heCommonwealth.”
During construction,the currentNorrisBridgewill remainopen.Trafficwill shiftto thenewstructureoncecompleted,andtheoldbridgewill bedemolished.
More information abouttheprojectisavailableontheVDOTwebsiteat https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/fredericksburg-district/robert-o-norris-bridge-replacement-project/.
