James River Bridge. CLOSURE DATES ANNOUNCED Please see the dates below for the James River Bridge Wire Rope Replacement in January and February 2024., Officially known as the CSX A-Line Bridge, this concrete bridge primarily functions as a railroad crossing over the James River. And yet this structure is truly iconic of Richmond itself. Here's the history behind one of Virginia's most beautiful bridges., The James River Bridge is a vital transportation link in Virginia, officially located on US-17, connecting Isle of Wight County to Newport News. Originally opened back in 1928, a significant reconstruction effort culminated in the current bridge’s completion in 1982., The first fixed link across Hampton Roads was the two-lane US-17 James River Bridge that was completed in 1928. It was narrow, with a 20-foot roadway from curb to curb. The new four-lane bridge was completed in stages from 1975 to 1982. The bridge also carries US-258 and VA-32., All northbound lanes, from Isle of Wight County to Newport News, will close to traffic at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Contractor, The former C&O James River bridge, now a pedestrian bridge for the Appalachian Trail. The girder bridge to the right is the replacement rail bridge. Photo by Mike Palmer, 5/16/2004..