Munitions Found in Old Bridge Concrete

Chesapeake, Virginia Contractors demolishing part of the old Gilmerton Bridge found something rather irregular encased in the concrete they were taking apart, military munitions. The workers called the police who responded and shut traffic down for over three hours while the incident was investigated. The Coast Guard also halted ship and vessel traffic on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River from Money Point to the High-Rise Bridge.

The police called the Navy who responded to provide technical support. Navy EOD identified the three munitions as inert artillery shells. The shells were removed without incident.

More than 35,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Vehicle traffic was rerouted to the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, and the High-Rise Bridge, on Interstate 64 to the south, while the bridge was closed during the response.

The bridge-construction project started in November 2009 and is expected to be completed in January 2014. The old bridge which is being dismantled was built in 1938.

It's unclear why the munitions were encased in the concrete but authorities suspect that other munitions may be in the area. The USACE will most likely respond to any additional munitions finds.