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AIWW Deep Creek Bridge in Chesapeake

Published April 18, 2018
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This graphic depicts what the final traffic lane configuration and bridge configuration will be once construction is complete on the Deep Creek Bridge.
This graphic depicts what the final traffic lane configuration and bridge configuration will be once construction is complete on the Deep Creek Bridge.
Traffic and Bridge Layout
This graphic depicts what the final traffic lane configuration and bridge configuration will be once construction is complete on the Deep Creek Bridge.
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Norfolk District
VIRIN: 200130-A-A1420-0002

Replacement project scope Bridge Replacement Plans The project will replace the federally owned Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Deep Creek Bridge – a functionally obsolete, two-lane, 20-foot-wide, single-leaf bridge – with a 144-foot-long, 60-foot-wide, five-lane, dual-leaf drawbridge.

The project includes improvements to approaching roadways.

Authorization The U.S. House of Representatives authorized Deep Creek Bridge's replacement as part of H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. WRDA is a bill dedicated to authorizing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities.

Cost about $50 million

Schedule
Early 2017 -- right-of-way acquisition (underway as of April 2017) 

Late 2020 - Early 2021 -- contract award (targeted dates are estimated and subject to change)

Current Bridge Limitations

Background

Built in 1934, Deep Creek Bridge is a federally owned and operated two-lane bridge that crosses the Dismal Swamp Canal and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway at U.S. Route 17 Business.

In October 1996, the approved initial appraisal concluded the bridge is functionally obsolete because of increasing traffic volume, too narrow of a roadway and poor alignment with connecting roads.

Replacing the bridge will improve traffic flow and meet Virginia Department of Transportation and city of Chesapeake requirements. It comes at a time in which road improvements are being made to either side of the bridge. Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to replace Deep Creek Bridge with a five-lane roadway located 100 feet south of the existing bridge.

Once completed, the AIWW Deep Creek Bridge will be operated, maintained and owned by the city of Chesapeake.

 

 

 

January 30, Public Information Meeting Briefing

 

 

Citizen's Information Meeting Jan. 30, 2020 Graphics

 

This graphic gives an complete overview of where the district is in replacing the Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project. It includes a timeline of past actions, cost and amount needed to construct the bridge, as well as information about the current status of the bridge.
This graphic gives an complete overview of where the district is in replacing the Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project. It includes a timeline of past actions, cost and amount needed to construct the bridge, as well as information about the current status of the bridge.
Overview Graphic for the Deep Cree Bridge Replacement Project
This graphic gives an complete overview of where the district is in replacing the Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project. It includes a timeline of past actions, cost and amount needed to construct the bridge, as well as information about the current status of the bridge.
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Norfolk District
VIRIN: 200130-A-A1420-0003
 
Replace existing two-lane drawbridge with a 144-foot long, 60-foot wide Five-lane drawbridge generally along existing alignment Improvements will be phased to accommodate traffic during construction. Initially, a two-lane bridge will be constructed immediately south of the existing bridge, the existing bridge will then be demolished, and a new three-lane bridge built in its place The project includes improvements to the approaching roadways City of Chesapeake will take over operation and maintenance of the bridge upon project completion
Replace existing two-lane drawbridge with a 144-foot long, 60-foot wide Five-lane drawbridge generally along existing alignment Improvements will be phased to accommodate traffic during construction. Initially, a two-lane bridge will be constructed immediately south of the existing bridge, the existing bridge will then be demolished, and a new three-lane bridge built in its place The project includes improvements to the approaching roadways City of Chesapeake will take over operation and maintenance of the bridge upon project completion
Deep_Creek_Replacement_Plans
Replace existing two-lane drawbridge with a 144-foot long, 60-foot wide Five-lane drawbridge generally along existing alignment Improvements will be phased to accommodate traffic during construction. Initially, a two-lane bridge will be constructed immediately south of the existing bridge, the existing bridge will then be demolished, and a new three-lane bridge built in its place The project includes improvements to the approaching roadways City of Chesapeake will take over operation and maintenance of the bridge upon project completion
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Norfolk District
VIRIN: 080814-A-EN999-105
 
Current Bridge Details: Built in 1934 Owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Serves as the crossing of U.S. Route 17 Business over the Dismal Swamp Canal/Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake Positioned on regional hurricane evacuation route Two-lane bascule drawbridge operating in conjunction with the Deep Creek Locks Current Bridge Limitations: Considered “functionally obsolete”, meaning the bridge design is not suitable for its current use due to inability to handle current traffic volume, speed, size or weight of vehicles - No safety shoulders -Narrow lanes - Weight restricted -High traffic volumes Limited use for emergency response vehicles and truck traffic due to weight restrictions Peak hour traffic negatively impacts Deep Creek community, including heavy school traffic Requires increasing maintenance and repair work
Current Bridge Details: Built in 1934 Owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Serves as the crossing of U.S. Route 17 Business over the Dismal Swamp Canal/Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake Positioned on regional hurricane evacuation route Two-lane bascule drawbridge operating in conjunction with the Deep Creek Locks Current Bridge Limitations: Considered “functionally obsolete”, meaning the bridge design is not suitable for its current use due to inability to handle current traffic volume, speed, size or weight of vehicles - No safety shoulders -Narrow lanes - Weight restricted -High traffic volumes Limited use for emergency response vehicles and truck traffic due to weight restrictions Peak hour traffic negatively impacts Deep Creek community, including heavy school traffic Requires increasing maintenance and repair work
Deep_Creek_Details_Limitations
Current Bridge Details: Built in 1934 Owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Serves as the crossing of U.S. Route 17 Business over the Dismal Swamp Canal/Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake Positioned on regional hurricane evacuation route Two-lane bascule drawbridge operating in conjunction with the Deep Creek Locks Current Bridge Limitations: Considered “functionally obsolete”, meaning the bridge design is not suitable for its current use due to inability to handle current traffic volume, speed, size or weight of vehicles - No safety shoulders -Narrow lanes - Weight restricted -High traffic volumes Limited use for emergency response vehicles and truck traffic due to weight restrictions Peak hour traffic negatively impacts Deep Creek community, including heavy school traffic Requires increasing maintenance and repair work
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Norfolk District
VIRIN: 080814-A-EN999-103
 
A cross section of what the new Deep Creek Bridge will look like.
A cross section of what the new Deep Creek Bridge will look like.
Bridge Cross Section
A cross section of what the new Deep Creek Bridge will look like.
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Image Details
Photo By: Norfolk District
VIRIN: 080814-A-EN999-101
 
This graphic depicts what the final traffic lane configuration and bridge configuration will be once construction is complete on the Deep Creek Bridge.
This graphic depicts what the final traffic lane configuration and bridge configuration will be once construction is complete on the Deep Creek Bridge.
Traffic and Bridge Layout
This graphic depicts what the final traffic lane configuration and bridge configuration will be once construction is complete on the Deep Creek Bridge.
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Norfolk District
VIRIN: 200130-A-A1420-0002
 
This graphic shows the traffic plan during construction, once the new span is built and the old span is being demolished.
This graphic shows the traffic plan during construction, once the new span is built and the old span is being demolished.
Traffic Plan during construction
This graphic shows the traffic plan during construction, once the new span is built and the old span is being demolished.
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Norfolk DIstrict
VIRIN: 200130-A-A1420-0006
 
An overview of the real estate needed to build the new Deep Creek Bridge in Chesapeake, Virginia.
An overview of the real estate needed to build the new Deep Creek Bridge in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Real Estate Overview Graphic
An overview of the real estate needed to build the new Deep Creek Bridge in Chesapeake, Virginia.
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Image Details
Photo By: E4TEDWAT
VIRIN: 200130-A-A1420-0007
 
A graphic depicting the Real Estate Acquisition Process for acquiring land and easements for civil works projects.
A graphic depicting the Real Estate Acquisition Process for acquiring land and easements for civil works projects.
Real Estate Acquisition Process
A graphic depicting the Real Estate Acquisition Process for acquiring land and easements for civil works projects.
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: E4TEDWAT
VIRIN: 200130-A-A1420-0008


Project News

Public meeting set for Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project
1/29/2020
CHESAPEAKE, Va. – Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Chesapeake will host a public meeting Thursday on the Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project. It's scheduled for 5-7...
USCG Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Permit
12/2/2019
All interested parties are notified that an application dated June 28, 2019, has been received fromthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, for approvalof the...
USACE: Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project continues to progress
10/9/2019
NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving ahead with its state and city partners on the Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project in Chesapeake, but ongoing real-estate...
USACE pushes ahead with Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project
8/9/2019
Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has mapped out plans to replace the aging Deep Creek Bridge in Chesapeake, alongside its state and city partners...
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Additional Information

FAQs

Will the bridge be tolled?
No

Will vehicles still be able to use the bridge during construction?
Yes
The new south span of the bridge will be built first while the current bridge is still in use. Once the south span is completed, traffic will be diverted to that span, the old bridge will be demolished, and the north span will be constructed in its place.