James River Bridge

The James River Bridge is a road bridge crossing the James River between Newport News and Isle of Wight County. The structure includes a mechanical lift section in the middle that raises to allow large vessels to pass through.

The original structure was completed in 1928 and was among the longest water crossings of its time. It was completely rebuilt between the mid-1970s and early 1980s to handle growing traffic demands.

The bridge transformed regional connectivity by replacing ferry services that once carried people and goods across the water. It shows how such structures reshape daily life and bring communities closer together.

The bridge is open to vehicle traffic and serves several major routes, so it can be crowded during peak hours. When crossing, be aware that the lift span occasionally raises to allow ships to pass, which can cause brief delays.

When the original bridge opened in 1928, President Coolidge sent an electric signal from Washington DC to activate the lift mechanism. This was an unusual use of long-distance remote technology for that era.