Rappahannock River Closure On Hold Over I-95 Construction Delays

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Rappahannock River will remain open underneath the I-95 bridge at Fredericksburg as the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) continues to install a portage in the river that will be used in the next phase of its I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing project. VDOT stated last week that access to the river would be closed starting Dec. 2. But the portage is now expected to be installed in mid-December, with a new date for the river closure to be announced later this month, VDOT said Dec. 5.

When it gets installed, the portage will block boats from traveling in the river. River users will see signs warning them that the river is impassable and of the portage ahead, and where to exit the river. Pedestrian trails near the river in Fredericksburg will remain open. The river closure and portage will affect only river users.

A second I-95 southbound bridge is being built as part of the VDOT project. The new bridge will carry three I-95 southbound lanes over the river between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg. The entire Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing project is scheduled for completion in May 2022.

VDOT has said river access at the I-95 bridge is expected to reopen in spring 2020. River users can stay updated by checking the Rappahannock River access page online at improve95.org.