On Monday, April 14, 2025, NASA held a groundbreaking ceremony at Wallops Island, Virginia, to mark the start of construction for a new causeway bridge to take the place of the original bridge that is 65 years old. NASA expects to complete the new, flatter bridge in early 2028, with increased weight capacity to support the island’s heavy transportation requirements.
The ceremony took place at the base of the existing bridge and was attended by several distinguished guests. Among them was Virginia State Senator Bill DeSteph and representatives from the offices of United States Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans. David Pierce, Director of Wallops Flight Facility, and Ray Rubilotta, Associate Center Director of Goddard Space Flight Center, represented NASA.
The new bridge is a collaborative effort of the Federal Highway Administration and NASA. The design-build contract will be carried out by Kokosing Construction Company.
The Wallops Island causeway bridge is the sole automotive connection between NASA’s mainland operations and its island-based launch range and operations. Built more than six decades ago, the bridge has suffered from ongoing weather-related degradation and several repairs. In 2023, NASA received $103 million in federal funding to entirely replace the aging structure and ensure safe access to Wallops Island for decades to come.
Read also: The Road to Recovery: Pre-Construction Underway on Key Bridge Maryland
NASA Wallops New Causeway Bridge: Factsheet
Project: Replacement of 65-year-old causeway bridge at Wallops Island, Virginia
Groundbreaking Date: April 14, 2025
Expected Completion: Early 2028
Location: NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia
Funding: $103 million in federal funding received in 2023
Key Features:
Flatter design to accommodate NASA operations
Enhanced weight capacity for heavy transportation needs
Critical automotive connection between mainland operations and island-based launch range
Causeway Bridge Replacement Project: Project Partners
Federal Highway Administration
Kokosing Construction Company (design-build contractor)
Read also: Kiewit Hired as Construction Manager for $800M I-55 Bridge Replacement
Read also: Three design concepts for two new rail bridges over Fort Lauderdale’s New River
