CHESAPEAKE -- Crews are making progress on the new Gilmerton Bridge.
VDOT let a 13News crew in the work zone for the first time to check out the progress from the new bridge tower.
Construction manager Andrew King says the new bridge will be safer and a lot more convenient for drivers.
"It's going to provide the public with less openings because it's a higher opening now that boats can go under."
The design of the new Gilmerton is unlike any other bridge in Hampton Roads with the surface actually raising all at once.
"When the new bridge goes in, it will be a vertical lift bridge. It will come up and come down," explained King.
The new bridge is actually being build right on top of the old Gilmerton Bridge. It is expected to be complete by the end of next year; however, drivers will be able to travel on two of the four lanes starting this summer.
