The existing Dairy Road bridge over Route 250 Bypass has reached the end of its useful life. Recent inspection data dated March 6, 2025, shows an overall condition of the bridge as “poor.” A full replacement of the bridge is necessary and has been funded through the State of Good Repair (SGR) program using a combination of state and federal dollars.
City to Hold Community Meeting on Dairy Road Bridge Replacement Project: Nov. 18
The City of Charlottesville will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, November 18, from 5:30-7:30 PM in the auditorium at the Charlottesville Early Learning Center, formerly Walker Upper Elementary School (1564 Dairy Road) to share updates on the Dairy Road Bridge replacement project.
The existing bridge over the Route 250 Bypass has reached the end of its useful life and was rated in poor condition during a March 2025 inspection. A full replacement is necessary and is funded through state and federal funds. Construction is tentatively expected to begin early January 2027.
Project team will discuss the anticipated construction schedule, bridge closure and detour plans, and answer questions from residents.
Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the project and its anticipated impacts.
Bids have been received, and the City is coordinating with VDOT on review and award. Construction is tentatively expected to begin in December 2026 or early January 2027. A more detailed schedule will be shared once the contractor is on board.
December 15, 2025
City Council Review
Charlotteville City Council heard an update on the project in an open session on December 15, 2025. Read the City Council Meeting Agenda and Minutes.
Council unanimously voted to endorse the project while encouraging ways to shorten the proposed bridge closure during construction.
July 15 Design Public Hearing Summary
The length of construction was commonly cited as longer than desired.
The City will explore ways to design the bridge in a way that allows for quicker construction.
Numerous requests were received to make the bridge more visually appealing.
The City will add aesthetic and architectural treatments to the proposed bridge design. These will include: painting the girders, adding a decorative steel railing in lieu of concrete-only barrier, and finishing all foundation walls with an architectural stone finish. The bridge will more closely mimic the Route 250 bridge over McIntire when construction is complete.
The impacts of the proposed detour were a common concern
The City plans to closely monitor traffic patterns once the detour is implemented to see if additional mitigation measures are necessary.