The next meeting on the rehabilitation of the historic John G. Lewis Memorial Bridge, which spans Catoctin Creek on Featherbed Lane, takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the Old School Auditorium in Waterford.

At this meeting citizens will be able to view design specifics the bride repair, such as a single versus double pier; other design details will be shown and discussed. VDOT start also will discuss the still-underway hydrology study. The funding for the project is secure; the rehabilitation will begin in 2019.

Approvals from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources have not yet been received.

The one-lane bridge was built in 1889 and is a rare surviving example of a wrought iron truss bridge—one of only five still standing bridges built by the Variety Iron Company. It is located on part of the unique and historic network of unpaved rural roads in Loudoun. The bridge is also an important contributor to the local region’s historic significance which, in turn, supports an active tourist economy.

Contact David Nelson, 703-989-8072, or visit VDOT’s webpage on the project, if you would like more information. Also, see earlier posts on this issue in the Rural Bridges section.