Attention Warren County Residents: Major Bridge Construction on Route 658 Begins Soon

Big changes are coming to Warren County’s Route 658! The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is gearing up to construct a new grade-separated crossing over the Norfolk Southern Railway, promising to ease traffic snarls caused by frequent train crossings.

Mark Your Calendars for the Information Meeting!

Don’t miss the chance to learn more about this exciting project! VDOT has scheduled a “Pardon-Our-Dust” Citizen Information Meeting for Wednesday, January 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the North Warren Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company 10 at 266 Rockland Court, Front Royal, VA 22630. Get the details first-hand with presentations at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. And just in case the weather acts up, the backup date is January 18, same time and place.

What’s the Plan?

• The Project: A new bridge on Route 658 over the Norfolk Southern Railway tracks.
• Contractor: The $11.8 million construction contract has been awarded to Shirley Contracting Company LLC.
• Timeline: Construction kicks off in early 2024, with the bridge set to open by December 2025.
• Traffic Changes: Route 658 will be closed near the NSRR tracks, with detours via Routes 340/522 and Route 661. But don’t worry, Rockland Park stays open!

Why This Matters

Currently, the Route 658 railroad crossing is a major headache for drivers, with unpredictable and lengthy delays. The new bridge, stretching 220 feet long and 42 feet wide, will let cars cruise over the trains – no more waiting for those double-stacked freight containers!

More Than Just a Bridge

This project isn’t just about the bridge. There will be improvements to Route 658’s approaches and a realignment of Route 705, leading to Rockland Park. With traffic expected to almost triple by 2046, this project is a much-needed upgrade for the community.

Funding the Future

What is the total tag for this upgrade? A cool $20.6 million, including all the planning, land, and construction costs. This is made possible partly by a BUILD grant from the National Maritime Administration to the Virginia Port Authority.

Stay tuned and stay informed as we embark on this journey to smoother travels in Warren County!