The Virginia Department of Transportation says drivers and maritime traffic should prepare for longer wait times during openings of the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge. Mechanical issues now require bridge crews to perform additional manual steps, adding 25 to 40 minutes to each opening. Normally automated, the process now involves up to 12 extra maintenance staff on the bridge alongside the bridge tender, with specialized equipment sometimes needed. VDOT is moving forward with temporary repairs while planning a permanent fix, and motorists are urged to check 511Virginia and sign up for alerts for real-time opening updates.
