The James River Bridge will be fully closed from Jan. 12-16 and from Feb. 2-6 for necessary maintenance, and shipbuilders who commute via the bridge must find alternate routes during these times.

The exact times are as follows, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation:

• From 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
• From 1 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

During the closures, traffic will be detoured to the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. Other alternatives include the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and Route 460.

The closures are needed so workers can replace wire ropes on the moveable bridge. It is part of an overall maintenance program to keep the bridge in good operating condition. Text MOTORIST to 833-748-0519 for updates and more information, or go to the VDOT website and search for “James River Bridge” to get additional information.

Motorists are encouraged to use VDOT’s free traffic information tools to aid in their commutes:

• Download the 511 Virginia smartphone app or the 511-integrated Waze app.
• Visit the 511 Virginia website.
• Dial 511 for traffic information on your phone.