The original Gilmerton Bridge, along State Route 13, in the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake, VA was recently replaced with a vertical lift bridge. The replacement came after years of deterioration and weight restrictions. The new bridge is also higher off the Elizabeth River to accomodate taller vessels.

The bridge carries an average of 35,500 vehicles per day. Currently, the bridge has rush hour lift restrictions from Monday - Friday, between the hours of 6:30 - 8:30 A.M. and 3:30 - 5:30 P.M. The restrictions require a two-hour advance notice for all commercial maritime traffic, in order to lift the bridge during those hours. Unfortunately, this creates a loophole for all commercial maritime traffic. Somehow, pleasure vessels are also causing openings during these times.

The bridge opens daily during rush hour traffic, causing miles of backed up traffic and hours of congestion. Route 13 and Interstate 64, are the only eastbound highways leaving the Deep Creek section of Chesapeake. The nearest hospitals are Chesapeake Regional and Norfolk Sentara. In the event of a medical emergency, the bridge lifts could cause grave danger to those in need of medial attention.

This bridge should only be lifted during normal rush hour times for military vessels and vessels with limited maneuverability. i.e., tugboats pushing barges, ships being guided by tugboats, etc. It should not be opened for pleasure vessels during rush hours times. 24-hours notice should be given for anything other than military vessels, if they need to pass through during rush hour times.