FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has reopened Route 652 (Cool Water Drive) in Caroline County with a new, wider bridge over Polecat Creek five months ahead of schedule. 

Last year, a routine bridge inspection identified significant deterioration in key elements, and VDOT closed the bridge for motorist safety. 

Preliminary engineering work for a bridge replacement project was underway since the structure was previously classified as structurally deficient and posted vehicle weight limit restrictions.

VDOT accelerated the project schedule with the emergency bridge closure and estimated a year for construction to replace the bridge and reopen the road in September 2023. 

The new, concrete structure is slightly wider with paved shoulders and now open to all vehicles of legal weights.

Cool Water Drive carries an average of 450 vehicles a day, according to a VDOT traffic count.

511Virginia 

Motorists can find real-time information on lane closures, work zones, traffic and other incidents on 511Virginia. 

Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, or visit http://www.511virginia.org/.  Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 when they are not operating a motor vehicle or while using a hands-free device. 

Do not use a handheld cell phone or mobile device while driving (it’s the law). 

Follow VDOT Fredericksburg District on Twitter @VaDOTFRED.

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VDOT’s 14-county Fredericksburg District includes the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford in the Fredericksburg area; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties in the Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex counties in the Middle Peninsula.