VDOT updates council on Wythe Creek Road bridge project; work in Poquoson to continue into 2027

The Virginia Department of Transportation gave Poquoson council a progress report on the Wythe Creek Road bridge and roadway improvements, saying construction will continue through 2027 and will include traffic shifts and intermittent lane closures.

Jeff Minix, VDOT area construction engineer, said contractors recently completed a temporary trestle and have poured about nine of 20 spans for the new bridge. "We actually finished the construction of the temporary trestle last week," Minix said. The new structure will be a three-lane bridge south of Carys Chapel Road that transitions to two lanes north of Carys Chapel, with signal and turn-lane improvements at that intersection.

The project includes a multi-use path along the causeway: an 8-foot-wide path on the east side of the roadway and a 5-foot sidewalk on the west side, with pedestrian connections to the existing bridge area. Minix said the contractor is also relocating underground utilities, installing storm drain structures, and building a sanitary sewer force main operated by HRSD in sections located in neighboring Hampton.

Minix outlined expected traffic-control measures: intermittent single-lane closures in Poquoson, a tentative closure of Carys Chapel in early 2026 for intersection work (expected to extend into 2026), and temporary speed reductions to 25 mph within the project limits to protect workers. The overall project schedule remains targeted for substantial completion in late 2027.

Council members thanked VDOT for efforts to maintain business access during construction and asked that VDOT continue communications about temporary closures and flagging plans. VDOT said it will provide updates online and via its customer service center for questions and concerns.