Construction Activity / Updates

Starting as early as Monday, Oct. 30, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will close a portion of Route 644 (Fire Tower Road) in Isle of Wight County to replace the bridge over Pope Swamp.  

During this work, Route 644 (Fire Tower Road) will be closed to through traffic between Route 646 (Beale Place Drive) and Horton’s Lane, with signed detours in place. Access to all existing private property and businesses along Route 644 will be maintained at all times. 

Motorists traveling on Route 644 (Fire Tower Road) south of Pope Swamp will use the detour listed below:  

• Left onto Route 646 (Garrison Drive)  
• Left onto Route 645 (Tar Road) 
• Left onto Route 258 (Courthouse Highway) 
• Left onto Route 644 (Fire Tower Road) 

Motorists traveling on Route 644 (Fire Tower Road) north of Pope Swamp will use the detour listed below:  

• Travel north on Route 644 (Fire Tower Road)  
• Right onto Route 258 (Courthouse Highway) 
• Right onto Route 645 (Tar Road) 
• Right onto Route 646 (Garrison Drive)  
• Right onto Route 644 (Fire Tower Road)  

The $1.79 million construction contract awarded to Bryant Structures, Inc. includes the demolition of the existing bridge followed by construction of a new two-lane, single-span, multi-beam bridge, estimated to be complete as early as summer 2024. 

This work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change. 

Motorists are advised to plan their commute by using VDOT’s free traffic information tools:   

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

Image: Detour route for Route 644 during bridge replacement work.