High Rise Bridge

The High Rise Bridge is a four-lane road bridge crossing the Southern Branch Elizabeth River in Chesapeake. The structure features a bascule mechanism that can be raised to allow large vessels to pass underneath when needed.

The original structure was completed in 1972 to connect Interstate 64 across the river. In 2022, a new fixed-span bridge opened beside the original to accommodate maritime traffic without requiring regular lifts.

The name comes from the bridge's substantial height above the river channel. Today, the structure serves as a daily route for commuters connecting the two cities and has become a familiar landmark in the region's transportation network.

Traffic flows continuously on this route, though drivers should be aware that the original bridge still occasionally lifts for maritime passage, causing brief delays. The newer parallel bridge provides an alternative path when lift operations occur.

Few travelers notice that the original bridge uses a complex bascule system capable of raising both sections simultaneously, a design that minimizes interruption to interstate traffic while accommodating tall vessels. This engineering approach was considered advanced for its time.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 36.75780,-76.29630

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02