Hardy Ford Bridge to be replaced in 2016

A major bridge between Smith Mountain Lake and Roanoke is set to be replaced in 2016. The Virginia Department of Transportation recently announced plans to replace Hardy Ford Bridge, located on Hardy Road (Virginia 634) near Bay Roc Marina in Hardy.

As part of its preparation, a hydrographic survey team used sonar to map the lake bottom beneath the bridge in mid-May. The data collected will be used to produce 3-D color contour maps, sonar images and elevations of the lake bottom. The maps will help designers to see the lake floor under the bridge as they begin drawing up plans for a replacement.

The VDOT team used side-scan sonar with a global positioning system to collect the data. The side-scan sonar and GPS combination allows for a wider scan area than traditional sonar.

Work to design a new bridge is in the very early stages. The project, estimated at $4.6 million, tentatively is scheduled to be advertised for construction bids in summer of 2016.

Hardy Ford Bridge is a steel and concrete structure built in 1963 over the Roanoke River channel of the lake. It is 308 feet long and 23 feet wide.

The bridge last was inspected on July 25, 2011 and was rated 26.5 on a scale of 0 (poor) to 100 (very good) for sufficiency, indicating it should receive higher priority for funding to perform structural service, according to VDOT.