New 8th Street Bridge Opens Early in Front Royal — A Symbol of Progress and Smart Planning

The long-awaited 8th Street bridge in Front Royal is officially open — and weeks ahead of schedule. For town officials, public works crews, and residents alike, the completion of this key infrastructure project is more than a roadway—it’s a sign that thoughtful planning, smart partnerships, and a shared vision are delivering results.

A new chapter begins for a well-traveled crossing: The upgraded 8th Street bridge, seen from both approaches, replaces the 1965 structure and brings safer access for families, bikers, and game-day fans alike. Photo and video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.

Mayor Lori Cockrell, Town Manager Joe Petty, and Public Works Director Robbie Boyer joined Royal Examiner’s Mike McCool on-site to celebrate the early completion and provide residents with a glimpse of what’s next in the town’s infrastructure roadmap.

“This bridge may not look flashy, but it solves real problems and opens real opportunities for our community,” said Mayor Cockrell. “From reducing flooding to improving connectivity, it’s an investment that touches people’s everyday lives.”

A Critical Link Restored — and Improved

The 8th Street bridge has long served as an important connector, linking neighborhoods to Bing Crosby Stadium, the Public Works Complex, and other essential facilities. Originally constructed in 1965, the old bridge had far outlived its design life — and with it came recurring problems, particularly with stormwater drainage and flooding along Commerce Avenue.

Gone are the old, clog-prone culverts — the new bridge’s open underside is built to let debris pass freely and help protect nearby neighborhoods and roads from flash flooding.

“The previous bridge had 16 small culverts under it,” explained Public Works Director Robbie Boyer. “Even small debris could cause major backups. Now, we’ve created a modern open-span design that allows stormwater and debris to flow freely.”

The new design also raises the roadbed by two to two-and-a-half feet, reducing flood risk in adjacent areas and protecting properties and businesses that have previously experienced rapid water rises after heavy rain.

A Smart, Cost-Sharing Partnership with VDOT

The project was delivered under VDOT’s Revenue Sharing Program, which allowed the town to share costs with the state at a 50/50 split.

“The total project cost came in at around $1.9 million, which was under original estimates,” said Town Manager Joe Petty. “It’s a perfect example of what happens when state support, local leadership, and smart project management come together.”

Petty also credited the coordination between departments and engineering partners, noting that this bridge demonstrates the kind of collaboration residents can expect from the town going forward.

North Royal Avenue Improvements Earn Praise

The bridge project wasn’t the only major infrastructure success this year. Just up the road, North Royal Avenue underwent a full transformation, drawing praise from residents impressed by the smooth new surface and long-overdue underground upgrades.

“We replaced century-old water lines — some installed before the town even purchased the water system in the early 1900s,” said Boyer. “We spent nearly $600,000 on utility upgrades, followed by a complete $100,000 resurfacing that residents now see.”

Work was done with minimal disruption, thanks to strong coordination with Superior Paving, which completed the roadwork after acquiring Kickin’ Asphalt, the original contractor.

“We’ve had so many compliments,” Mayor Cockrell added. “I know the work took time, but people now see the results — and they’re grateful we did it right.”

Cherry Street, Prospect Bridge, and More On the Way

Looking ahead, the town is keeping the momentum going. Among the upcoming and in-progress projects:

• Cherry Street: Old water lines have been relocated in preparation for major drainage improvements. Once complete, this area will also be repaved.
• 12th Street: Work is nearly complete between Rural and Virginia Avenue, with paving expected in the spring.
• Prospect Street Bridge: The town is in the final planning stages for this next VDOT-funded bridge replacement. Bidding is expected in late spring or early summer 2026.
• Virginia Avenue waterline project: Currently being prepped for early release.

“We’re working strategically,” Boyer said. “That means doing utility work first, then paving later — so we don’t have to tear things up again a year later. That’s how modern infrastructure should be done.”

South Street Smart Scale Project: Public Feedback Wanted

In mid-January, VDOT will host a public input meeting to present plans for improvements to South Street, one of the town’s most-traveled corridors and a vital link to businesses such as Spelunker’s and residential neighborhoods.

The proposed changes will make the area safer for pedestrians and drivers alike, and the town is encouraging community involvement.

“South Street is overdue for upgrades,” said Petty. “VDOT’s Smart Scale process takes time, but the results will benefit the town for decades. We need residents to come out, ask questions, and share their ideas.”

The meeting will be held at Samuels Public Library, and more information is available on the town and VDOT websites.

Preserving History, Planning for the Future

While celebrating the completion of the 8th Street bridge, town staff also uncovered a piece of local history — a bronze plaque from the original structure, showing it had been dedicated in 1966 by the Loyal Order of Moose.

“It was always listed in reports as the ‘Moose Bridge,’ but we never knew why,” said Boyer with a smile. “Now we do — and we’re keeping that plaque safe.”

Sustainability in Action: Christmas Tree Recycling

As part of its winter services, the town is once again collecting used Christmas trees — but rather than landfill disposal, they’re giving them a second life.

“We take the trees out to Lake Frederick, where they’re submerged to create fish habitats,” Boyer explained. “It saves us grinding costs and helps the lake’s ecosystem. It’s sustainability in action.”

A Community That Cares

From improved roads and bridges to environmental programs and careful budgeting, town officials emphasized that these efforts are all about serving the residents — both today and for generations to come.

“We’re not just reacting—we’re planning,” said Mayor Cockrell. “Every bridge rebuilt, every pipe replaced, every street paved is about strengthening Front Royal’s foundation. And we’re doing it the right way—with care, collaboration, and community in mind.”

With a new year approaching and several key projects lining up, the Town of Front Royal is showing what happens when progress and people come together.

VDOT to Host Public Hearing on January 14 for South Street Safety Improvements