Norris Bridge Rehabilitation

The Robert O. Norris, Jr. Bridge is slated for replacement beginning in 2028. In the interim, critical repairs are underway to ensure the bridge continues to safely serve the surrounding communities. These repairs are scheduled for completion by September 2026.

BDI is proud to support the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in this important effort. With a longstanding history of collaboration on monitoring and evaluation projects for the Norris Bridge, BDI brings deep familiarity with the structure and its unique challenges.

As VDOT’s evaluation firm, BDI partnered with VN Engineers Inc. and Nallapaneni Consultants to deliver comprehensive load rating services across multiple phases of the repair process:

• As-Design Repair Load Ratings – Assessed the effectiveness of proposed repairs in the context of the bridge’s current condition.
• Construction Load Ratings – Evaluated the safety of construction loads alongside daily traffic, including wind-related safety for containment systems.
• As-Built Repair Load Ratings – To be performed upon completion of repairs to validate the final repaired structural capacity.

The Norris Bridge comprises 44 spans across four distinct superstructure types, including dual girder spans with in-span hinges, continuous multi-beam spans, deck-truss spans, and through-truss spans. BDI utilized AASHTOware Bridge Rating (BrR) software to evaluate all spans, with a focus on those undergoing repair.

Key challenges included modeling intensive deterioration profiles across 15 truss spans and 29 beam/girder spans. BDI’s initial ratings resulted in targeted inspections to verify deterioration data, ensuring accurate load rating results. Additionally, BDI leveraged BrR’s Gusset Plate Module to incorporate critical gusset plate evaluations directly into the structural analysis—streamlining future assessments and eliminating the need for separate evaluations.

BDI continues to work closely with VDOT to finalize construction procedures and will remain engaged throughout the completion of the repair project, ensuring the Norris Bridge remains a safe and reliable connection for years to come.