raybo

For my upcoming Atlantic Coast tour, I need to get over the Rappahannock River. The only available bridge I can see is the Robert Norris bridge on Highway 3 on the eastern end of the river. According to Google Maps, the road is also called Grey's Point Road and becomes Mary Ball Road on the other (eastern) side of the bridge.

Searching Google for Robert Norris bridge and bicycling I don't find any information about bike lanes or anything else. Though, it is clear that this is a narrow 2-lane bridge that is quite busy. The only thing I found was this: "If you are continuing off the route over the Rappahannock River, use extreme caution as the Robert O. Norris bridge is narrow."

Has anyone ridden or driven over this bridge? If so, is riding a loaded touring bike over it possible?

Thanks,

Ray

(cross-posted to the Touring forum)

BikeWNC

I have ridden across that bridge before. My wife's family had a home in Deltaville and her sister lived in Urbanna on the other side of the river. I rode across in the morning and had no problem with traffic though I did take my portion of the lane. I wasn't touring, I was on a road bike and could maintain 20mph or better. I expect there are times of the day when traffic would be an issue on that bridge. The guardrails are low so be aware of traffic. It was actually an enjoyable ride across but I suppose I had ideal conditions. Good luck!

tulip

I would not ride over that bridge. The lanes are very narrow, there are plenty of trucks, it's 2-miles long and a big climb, and its a loooooooong way down to the water should you get pushed over the edge, which is a distinct possibility. Better to hitch a ride over in a pickup, of which there are many.

You can continue up to Tappahanock and take that bridge, which has shoulders.