Major Road Closure and New Bridge Construction on Route 658 in Warren County

Starting April 22, 2024, a significant portion of Route 658 (Rockland Road) in Warren County will be closed to facilitate the construction of a new bridge over the Norfolk-Southern Railway. This project, centered near Front Royal and the bustling Virginia Inland Port, is anticipated to last about 20 months, with the roadway reopening in December 2025.

The new bridge will replace the current at-grade crossing, which has caused considerable delays for motorists due to frequent train stops at the crossing. This development aims to enhance traffic flow and safety, allowing vehicles to pass over the railway while trains operate unimpeded below, a critical upgrade for the area’s infrastructure.

During the closure, traffic on Route 658 will be redirected via Routes 340/522 (Winchester Road) to the west and Route 661 (Fairground Road) to the east and north. Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for flaggers and new signage as preliminary works ramp up, leading to the closure. Speed limit adjustments and roadway improvements are also underway along the detour routes to ensure a smoother travel experience.

Details of the bridge itself are notable; it will span 220 feet in length and 40 feet in width, providing a vertical clearance of 24 feet 8 inches above the railroad tracks. This clearance is sufficient to accommodate double-stacked freight containers, significantly reducing transportation delays.

Additional components of the project include the realignment of Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) and enhancements to roadway approaches leading up to the new bridge. These improvements will further facilitate access to local destinations such as Rockland Park, which will remain accessible throughout construction.

The construction contract, worth approximately $11.8 million, was awarded to Shirley Contracting Company LLC based in Lorton, Virginia. The total cost of this critical infrastructure project is estimated at $20.6 million, covering preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisitions, utility relocations, and construction. Funding has been secured through a variety of sources, including a BUILD grant from the United States Department of Transportation awarded to the Virginia Port Authority in 2018.

Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and stay informed about construction updates to navigate the area efficiently during this extensive project. The completion of this bridge signifies a major step forward in improving the transportation landscape in Warren County, promising a smoother and more efficient travel experience for all.