VDOT News - Northern Virginia

Update: The Featherbed Lane closure at Catoctin Creek and detour will remain in place until spring 2022.

LOVETTSVILLE – The rehabilitation of the historic truss John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge that carries Featherbed Lane over Catoctin Creek in order to improve safety and extend the overall life of the bridge is underway, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

On Monday morning,Jan. 25, Featherbed Lane closed to through traffic between Milltown Road and Loyalty Road; the closure is in place until fall 2021. Those needing to reach properties along Featherbed Lane have access; however, traffic can't go beyond Catoctin Creek in either direction.

Through traffic is being detoured via Milltown Road, Lovettsville Road, Taylorstown Road and Loyalty Road back to Featherbed Lane. Detour signs and message boards were put in place in advance of the closure.

The project improvements include:

• Installing the existing truss above a new steel beam and timber deck bridge
• Adding a new bridge pier
• Upgrading the bridge railings

The $5.6 million project is financed with federal and state funding, including State of Good Repair funding used for bridges. The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2021.  

The bridge, which averages 60 vehicles a day, was originally built in 1889 on the Leesburg & Alexandria Turnpike (current Route 7) over Goose Creek to replace a bridge destroyed by flooding. In 1932, the bridge was dismantled and moved to its current location.

More information is on the project webpage.

Follow VDOT Northern Virginia on Twitter: @vadotnova

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