RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - There are 20,875 bridges in Virginia, starting Wednesday 11 of them over a seven mile stretch along I-95 will undergo a massive $103-million overhaul.
Some 160,000 people use the stretch of I-95 everyday, but as work gets underway, two lanes of I-95 South will be closed so repairs can be made.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood took a look at the projects himself while he was in Richmond Wednesday.
"America is one big pothoel," Lahood said during his visit. He said there is a great need to repair the infrastructure like the Lombardy Street Bridge, where work is already underway.
He said the work being done in Richmond is setting an example for the nation.
"When this work is finished, this will be one of the safest bridges in the Commonwealth, in the county. This needs to be done," he said.
Construction will continue to take place from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.
The overall project is scheduled to be completed in two years and aims to put 130 people to work.
"When we make investments in our infrastructure, we move into the 21st century," Lahood said. "We also guarantee they will be safe to drive on...and safety is our number one priority."
