VDOT plans Route 40 bridge replacement; supervisors ask for town halls and mitigation

VDOT staff updated Franklin County supervisors on a planned Route 40 bridge replacement project they characterized as necessary due to structural deficiencies and increasingly restrictive weight limits.

Todd Marshall and other VDOT representatives described the schedule that would advertise the project in late summer 2027 and aim to award contracts by year‑end so that substantial construction could take place in the spring and summer of the following year to limit closure time. VDOT noted the bridge superstructure and substructure have significant issues and the replacement is intended to avoid future load restrictions that could interfere with emergency and commercial access.

Supervisors expressed concerns about traffic impacts and asked VDOT to identify mitigation steps before construction begins. Supervisor Tim Tatum said he would schedule town halls in the affected area and asked VDOT to evaluate alternative routes such as Brandy Oak for upgrades to accommodate diverted traffic; VDOT agreed to added signage, shoulder maintenance and periodic grading while the board explores other mitigation. The board voted to rescind its earlier request for a public hearing on the project and to permit VDOT and county staff to pursue outreach and technical mitigation before a final hearing (roll call vote approved).