New bridge opens to traffic in Stafford

STAFFORD — A new bridge spanning railroad tracks that cross Courthouse Road (Route 630) in Stafford County opened Tuesday of this week, three months ahead of schedule.

It replaces a 94-year-old, single-lane bridge built by RF&P Railroad in 1917.

The new structure, named Mingles Hill Bridge, ceremonially opened at 8:30 a.m. that day.

A fire truck driven by the Brooke Volunteer Fire Department in Stafford served as the first ceremonial vehicle to cross the bridge, demonstrating the difference between the new bridge and the previous bridge’s 15-ton weight limit.

Stafford Supervisor Paul Milde, R-Aquia, said: “This modern bridge structure will enhance the quality of life for our residents because now vehicles of all weights can travel across it safely, making it easier for public safety vehicles, delivery trucks and others to serve the community. It also opens up opportunities to expand rail service in this area, which has the potential to bring more businesses and jobs to Stafford County.”
Stafford Supervisor Cord Sterling, who took part in a ribbon-cutting at the bridge Tuesday, said: “This is a project of multi-modal significance, improving travel for rail passengers. Increasingly, Virginians have demonstrated a desire to travel by train. Virginia Railway Express has been operating for close to 20 years, but the top 10 days of ridership on the commuter train line have all been marked since March 1 of this year. Amtrak had a 10 percent gain in passengers on Virginia trains from October of 2010 to April of this year, compared to the same months last year.”

The old bridge was built in 1917 by RF&P Railroad and featured a single lane. It will be demolished over the next several weeks, according to a county press release.

Construction on the new bridge began last summer.

Abernathy Construction Corp. of Glen Allen built the bridge, using federal funds.

The project’s total cost is approximately $7.1 million, according to the county.

The new bridge has 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders as well as a 23-foot clearance over the railroad tracks below.

— Tracy Bell from press release