New NASA bridge project begins

By Linda Cicoira

Kokosing Construction Co., a multi-state operation, recently announced the start of its project to design and build a replacement causeway road and bridge at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

According to contract details, the cost was estimated at $62,395,600 and has since been increased by 1 percent to $63,270,600 or by $875,000.

The bridge will go over Cat Creek and replace the existing structure, built in 1959-1960. The existing structure “is nearing the end of its service life,” the announcement on Instagram stated.

“Design partner, WSP USA, (an engineering firm), is incorporating durable materials to maximize service life and protect the structure from the aggressive coastal, and marine environment of the Virginia barrier islands,” the announcement continued. “We will utilize a top-down construction methodology to minimize the environmental impacts to adjacent tidal wetland areas.”

     The road is the only access to that portion of the NASA facility, making it critical to daily operations. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and be completed in early 2029.