CULPEPER, Va. (VDOT) – The Route 600 (Watts Passage) bridge over Preddy Creek in Albemarle County reopened to traffic today, almost three months ahead of the scheduled completion of its reconstruction. The new bridge is open to all legal-weight vehicles.

The structure was closed to traffic Feb. 16. During a routine inspection, Virginia Department of Transportation bridge inspectors found damage to a bridge support that posed safety concerns for the traveling public.

The reconstruction project involved demolishing the old structure and replacing the abutments, deck and its supporting members. The work was done by Burleigh Construction Co., Inc. of Concord, Va. under a $997,468.20 emergency contract with VDOT. The contract called for completion on Nov. 20, 2023.

Culpeper District updates are on the district’s Facebook page and the district’s Twitter account, @VaDOTCulp. For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, the public should contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Current traffic conditions, VDOT’s statewide network of traffic cameras and other real-time travel information is on the 511Virginia website. That information is also available on the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.