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.
Upcoming Citizen’s Information Meeting
The City intends to hold another Citizen’s Information Meeting in mid-2026 closer to the start of construction. This meeting will include updates on the project, including an updated schedule and a rendering of how the proposed bridge will look.
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.