The Great Bridge Bridge is a double-leaf rolling bascule drawbridge that carries Battlefield Blvd (State Route 168 Business) across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Chesapeake, Virginia.[1][2] It was constructed in 2004 by the Army Corps of Engineers and operated by the City of Chesapeake. It has a mean daily traffic of 35,000 vehicles. The current bridge cost $46 million.
In September 2018 a lightning strike disable the bridge's electronics, requiring manual operation.[3] Normally the bridge opens automatically, on the hour, from 6 am to 7 pm.[4] Vessels can request an opening from 7 pm to 6 am.
On December 9, 1775, when the Battle of Great Bridge was fought, a bridge spanned the main channel of the Elizabeth River, in the middle of a broad marshy estuary.[2] A raised causeway spanned the rest of the estuary.[5]
A new bridge was built at Great Bridge, Virginia, in 1859, after the construction of Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal (which is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway).[6]
During the American Civil War a bridge crossing at Great Bridge was destroyed.[2]
A new two-lane swing bridge replaced the late 19th century bridge in 1943.[2]
After being struck by lightning Saturday evening, electrical issues with the Great Bridge bridge will require the bridge to be opened manually.
36°43′15.1″N 76°14′23.8″W / 36.720861°N 76.239944°W