The bridge over Harris Creek on Route 651 in Prince Edward will be closed between Oct. 10-Nov. 10 for replacement due to it being structurally deficient with a 14-ton posting.

According to Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) spokeswoman Paula Jones, the steel beams on the bridge have severe corrosion and there are issues with the timber substructure on the Harris Creek bridge.

“Bridges are considered structurally deficient if they have been restricted to light vehicles, closed to traffic or require rehabilitation,” Jones said. “Structurally deficient means there are elements of the bridge that need to be monitored and/or repaired. The fact that a bridge is ‘structurally deficient’ does not imply that it is likely to collapse or that it is unsafe. It means the bridge must be monitored, inspected and maintained.”

Jones said the replacement will cost approximately $225,000.

“The detour is approximately 8-miles in length, however, it is unusual for anyone to travel from one end of a detour to the other end, essentially only missing the bridge section, so we have not calculated (the amount of time it will take for the detour),” Jones said.

She said the new structure will carry two lanes of traffic. The current bridge is a one-lane structure.