News Summary
Virginia Beach is closing a section of Elbow Road for a 10-month traffic detour while replacing an aging bridge near Stumpy Lake. The new structure will be taller and wider, aiding in flood mitigation. Construction is progressing and expected to complete by Spring 2028. Traffic reroutes are raising concerns about congestion and safety, yet access to Stumpy Lake pier remains available. Residents are encouraged to remain patient during this important infrastructure improvement.
Virginia Beach is set to undergo significant transportation changes as a section of Elbow Road will be closed for a 10-month traffic detour. This closure is necessary due to the replacement of a bridge that spans the spillway near Stumpy Lake and marks the boundary between Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
The current bridge, originally built in 1975, has been subject to extensive repairs, particularly following damage from Hurricane Matthew in 2016. It has become increasingly prone to flooding, prompting the city to invest in a new structure that will be taller, wider, and equipped with a higher channel to mitigate flooding risks.
Construction efforts on the Virginia Beach side of Elbow Road are progressing on schedule. Contractors have begun building the new bridge and have also installed a new water line in the area. The new bridge will measure over 1,000 feet in length, a significant increase from the former bridge’s 20 feet.
Detour Impacts and Route Adjustments
As part of the detour, traffic will be directed around Stumpy Lake. The primary access point during this period will be Lynnhaven, with the detour for drivers traveling from Virginia Beach to Chesapeake incorporating Indian River Road, Lynnhaven Parkway, and Centerville Turnpike.
Consequently, Indian River and Elbow roads are expected to experience heavy congestion due to the rerouting of traffic, raising safety concerns among local residents. Many have expressed worries about speeding along these detour routes and have called for adherence to the 35 miles per hour speed limit.
Despite the ongoing construction, access to the pier at Stumpy Lake will remain open, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying recreational opportunities in the area.
Construction Progress and Community Effects
Foundation work for the new bridge has commenced, which includes pile driving that extends pilings over 100 feet into the ground. This foundation work is slated to continue until the end of the year. Currently, construction is approximately 20% complete, with tasks such as tree clearing and path establishment already underway.
Local residents have reported an increase in construction traffic, which has created parking challenges in the vicinity. However, some community members have observed a decline in traffic accidents, likely due to the construction activities that have altered regular traffic patterns.
Noise and Vibration Monitoring
Residents living near the construction site may face disturbances from construction noise and vibrations throughout the day. City officials are proactively monitoring the vibrations from the pile driving to ensure the safety and protection of nearby homes.
The entire construction process is projected to be completed by Spring 2028. During this time, the community is encouraged to remain patient as the new bridge is developed to improve infrastructure and reduce flooding risks in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Road Between Chesapeake and VB to be Closed Over the Next 10 Months
- Wikipedia: Virginia Beach
- WAVY: Elbow Road Closure Near Chesapeake-Virginia Beach Line
- Google Search: Elbow Road Closure
- WTKR: Pile Driving Begins for Elbow Road Bridge Replacement
- Google Scholar: Elbow Road Bridge Virginia
- WTKR: New Bridge Construction Set to Begin on VB’s Elbow Road
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Bridge Construction
- WTKR: Multiple Projects Set to Shake Up Chesapeake Roads in 2025
- Google News: Chesapeake Road Projects
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
