Powhatan schools delay start Tuesday due to bridge weight limit change

Powhatan County Public Schools announced a two-hour delay for all students on Tuesday due to a recent change in the weight limit of the Rocky Ford Road Bridge. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) identified additional deterioration during an inspection, leading to an immediate reduction of the bridge's weight limit from 13 tons to 4 tons, according to NBC12.

This bridge, located over a branch of Rocky Ford Creek, is used by multiple school bus routes, which prompted the school division to adjust transportation schedules to accommodate the new limitation. The delay is intended to allow time for assessing transportation needs and making necessary adjustments, WTVR CBS 6 reported.

All school employees and bus drivers are expected to report on time Tuesday, but morning preschool classes at Flat Rock Elementary are canceled due to the delay, according to WTVR. The school district is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed.

The weight limit change and resulting delay directly affect Powhatan County students and families, highlighting infrastructure concerns impacting local school operations.