Great Bridge Bridge

The Great Bridge Bridge is a double-leaf rolling bascule bridge that spans the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and carries Battlefield Boulevard across the water. Its two movable sections lift upward to allow marine vessels to pass underneath.

The crossing site was the location of a decisive battle on December 9, 1775, where colonial forces defeated British troops and forced their withdrawal from Virginia. This engagement became a turning point in the region's history.

The bridge connects the Great Bridge district in Chesapeake, where the Central Library displays artifacts from the 1775 battle, including a preserved cannonball.

The bridge opens regularly to allow vessels to pass through the waterway. It is helpful to check ahead when openings occur to avoid delays if you are driving across.

A lightning strike in 2018 seriously damaged the bridge's electronic systems and forced temporary manual operation until repairs could be made. This incident revealed how vulnerable modern infrastructure can be to natural forces.