Benjamin Harrison Memorial Bridge — Local services in Virginia

So, let me set the record straight for the people who want to complain. This is an "On-Demand" bridge. That means it is opened when a boat calls for it to be opened. The opening is up to the boat captain and not the bridge employee. A lift, on average, takes 12 to 20 minutes from opening to closing. If you are in a hurry. Find another bridge!!! The Coast Guard requires that the lift of the bridge be a full open each time. Again, that is not determined by the bridge operator. So, for all of the complainers, contact the Coast Guard or the ship captains. Not the fault of the bridge employee. For those people who think the bridge is too slow, try opening a bridge that weighs 761.5 tons in a hurry and see if you can do it any faster in a safe manner.

Now, a little about shift change. They happen 3 times a day. Around 6AM, 2PM, and 10PM. So you may see the lanes closed for a bit even though no marine traffic is coming. This is why.

Lastly, if the yellow caution lights are flashing, it is for a good reason. It means SLOW DOWN. This is usually because people are working on the bridge and are alongside the roadway, or the winds are high and vehicles could get blown. Either...

Today I attempted to cross this bridge. As I was approaching, the stoplight turned red and the barriers closed. THERE WERE NO BOATS/SHIPS ON THE RIVER. I waited in line for over 12 minutes (without the bridge opening) and finally turned around and left. The people who control this bridge must be inept and are certainly inconsiderate because there were at least twenty cars waiting in...

Update 10/13 Yay, bridge worked great this morning and reopened without issues.

Bridge access was not reopened after a barge went thru.. Must have had an issue. Waited 20 minutes before turning around with just about everyone else. They need an information station on local radio for this bridge, in order to broadcast if they are having issues. 511 is not accurate for...