The History and Future of the Coleman Bridge in Gloucester, VA

Here’s a detailed look at what's happening with the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge—commonly known as the Coleman Bridge—now that tolls have been removed, and what lies ahead for the community and infrastructure.

A Bridge with a Storied Legacy

• Opened in 1952, the Coleman Bridge originally featured tolls to finance its construction, replacing the former ferry service over the York River. (Gazette JournalWikipedia)

• A toll-free period from 1976 to 1996 followed once the initial bonds were paid off. (Gazette JournalWikipedia)

• In 1995, the bridge underwent a transformative rebuild and expansion—upgraded from two to four lanes—leading to toll reinstatement in 1996 to cover bond repayment and upkeep. (WikipediaGazette Journal)

Tolls Removed—Early and Celebrated

• As of 8 p.m., August 8, 2025, the tolls on northbound lanes (York County → Gloucester Point) have been officially eliminated. (WikipediaNews 3 WTKR NorfolkVirginia MercuryLand Line Media)

  • This critical link handles around a million crossings per month. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)

• The original budget planned for toll removal by January 1, 2026, per HB1600 passed by the General Assembly. (Gazette JournalVirginia Governor's Office)

• However, Governor Youngkin’s executive action and VDOT’s expedited approach moved that timeline forward by five months, delivering relief far sooner. (Virginia Governor's OfficeVirginia MercuryLand Line Media)

Why this Matters Locally

1. Immediate Financial Relief

• The bridge brought in nearly $6 million annually, with nearly half consumed by toll facility operations. (Virginia Governor's OfficeVirginia Mercury)

• Drivers saving between $0.85 and $4 per crossing stands to cumulatively return $60 million to taxpayers—benefiting families and businesses alike. (Virginia MercuryLand Line Media)

2. Operational Efficiency

• Toll infrastructure had an additional $5 million+ maintenance cost to extend its usable life—funds now redirected elsewhere. (Virginia Governor's OfficeVirginia Mercury)

3. Waived Outstanding Debt

• Though main bonds were repaid, roughly $29.6 million remained in the Toll Facility Revolving Account. (Virginia Governor's OfficeLand Line Media)

• The Commonwealth has forgiven that remaining debt, ending tolls without further financial burden. (Virginia Governor's OfficeLand Line Media)

What’s Next: Infrastructure & Community Impact

Toll Plaza Decommissioning

• Sign removal began at 9 p.m. on August 8, including overnight lane closures. Expect the toll plaza demolition to be completed soon after. (Virginia Governor's OfficeNews 3 WTKR Norfolk)

Maintenance & Upgrades

• VDOT continues routine lane closures and maintenance, including scheduled repairs like the one in June 2025 on the southbound side. (Virginia Department of Transportation)

• Future improvements may include structural renovations and swing-span updates, as part of VDOT's ongoing Tidewater maintenance plans.

Economic & Regional Growth

• With tolls gone, the bridge becomes an even stronger arterial route – enhancing commuter convenience and potentially attracting business development in Gloucester and across the York River. (Virginia MercuryLand Line Media)

• Legislators like Senators McDougle and Diggs highlighted this as beneficial for family finances and local commerce. (Virginia MercuryNews 3 WTKR Norfolk)

The Path Ahead: Vision & Considerations

While VDOT is currently focused on stabilizing and preserving the existing bridge, talk of larger-scale upgrades or replacements may surface once funding for maintenance is well in hand.

In Summary

• Tolls eliminated: as of Aug 8, 2025—drastically cutting commute costs (WikipediaLand Line Media)

• Bond debt forgiven: eliminating the need for continued tolls (Virginia Governor's OfficeLand Line Media)

• Toll plaza dismantled: transforming the bridge into a seamless free crossing (Virginia Governor's OfficeNews 3 WTKR Norfolk)

• Bright outlook: with lowered traffic costs and VDOT maintaining operations, the bridge—and the communities it connects—enter a new era of growth and accessibility.

This bridge has not only shaped daily lives in Gloucester and York County since the 1950s but continues to evolve alongside them. With tolls now history, the Coleman Bridge stands as a community asset—free, accessible, and ready to support the region’s next chapter.