The Virginia Department of Transportation says the first phase of mechanical repairs at the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge is complete, cutting bridge openings back to about 25 minutes on average. A mechanical failure last November forced crews to manually operate the swing span, stretching some openings to more than 40 minutes. New hydraulic equipment installed over the past week now allows controlled openings and closings, improving reliability as a short-term fix. Bridge openings remain governed by U.S. Coast Guard rules, though mariners are temporarily required to give four hours’ notice. The Route 17 bridge connects Yorktown and Gloucester Point across the York River.
