Occohannock Creek Bridge Reopens Ahead of Schedule in Accomack Co.

Image Courtesy of Virginia Department of Transportation

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. – A new bridge over Occohannock Creek is scheduled to open to traffic ahead of schedule on the afternoon of Wednesday, Apr. 22.

The $7.76 million construction contract to replace the former steel-pan bridge was awarded to Caton Construction Group in Dec. 2024. The previous structure, built in 1933, had been deemed structurally deficient. Construction began in Jan. 2025 and is now nearing completion.

The new bridge, located just outside of Exmore, is designed to improve safety and functionality. This includes providing more than nine inches of additional vertical clearance compared to the previous bridge. The project also includes approach and roadway tie-ins, installation of sheet pile walls adjacent to Occohannock Creek, and new guardrail along all approaches and departures.

Officials say that following the opening, contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation will remove the closure currently in place on Shields Bridge Road, between Main Street/Big Pine Road (Route 609) and Boston Road (Route 178). Motorists should remain alert for mobile and flagging operations on Shields Bridge Road as crews complete final remaining work activities such as seeding in the shoulder areas. All work is  anticipated to be complete by late spring.

For more information on the project, click here.