Monroe Bay Circle in Westmoreland County is now open to traffic. Crews have completed work to install a temporary bridge over Monroe Creek. A temporary traffic signal has also been installed to alternate, one-way traffic across the structure.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has installed a temporary bridge over Monroe Creek on Route 658 (Monroe Bay Circle) to reopen the road in Westmoreland County. The bridge opening was announced by VDOT on March 31, 2023.
On Dec. 23, 2022, VDOT crews closed Monroe Bay Circle to traffic near Stoney Knoll after a pipe failed, which caused pavement to collapse.
Bridge crews began mobilizing equipment to build the abutments, install the temporary structure and work on the approaches to the bridge in 2023.
A temporary traffic signal has been installed at the bridge to alternate one-way traffic across Monroe Creek, along with new signs and pavement markings.
The temporary bridge is a short-term solution until a permanent, long-term project can be advanced.
A project to replace the five metal pipes underneath the roadway with a concrete double-box culvert is currently in the design phase.
VDOT is working to accelerate the project schedule. When the project goes to construction, crews will close Monroe Bay Circle to traffic and drivers will use the same signed detour route as mentioned above.
The culvert replacement project is expected to take at least eight months to complete.
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