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Revision as of 07:45, 5 July 2025
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Coleman Bridge Virginia Complete Guide
Official Name: George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge
Route: US Route 17 crossing York River
Location: Yorktown (York County) to Gloucester Point (Gloucester County)
Length: 3,750 feet (1,140 meters) - largest double-swing bridge in US
Status: Tolls ending January 1, 2026 per Virginia budget
Coleman Bridge Toll Elimination: 2026 Update
Historic Decision: Virginia's 2024-2026 budget bill (HB1600) eliminates all Coleman Bridge tolls effective January 1, 2026. This marks the end of tolls that have been collected intermittently since the bridge opened in 1952.
Current Status (2025):
- Tolls still collected through December 31, 2025
- January 1, 2026: All tolls, rates, fees, and charges permanently eliminated
- Bridge will become completely toll-free for all vehicles
- Expected to boost economic development in Gloucester County
Historical Context: Tolls were imposed in 1952, removed in 1976, then reinstated in 1996 to fund the bridge's widening to four lanes. The 2026 elimination represents permanent toll-free status.
Current Coleman Bridge Toll Rates (Until December 31, 2025)
Tolls are collected only when traveling northbound (from Yorktown/York County to Gloucester Point/Gloucester County). Southbound travel is toll-free.
Current Toll Schedule (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Cash Rate | E-ZPass Rate | Eliminates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Axle Vehicles (Cars, SUVs, Pickups) | $2.00 | $0.85 | Jan 1, 2026 |
| Three-Axle Vehicles | $3.00 | $1.28 | Jan 1, 2026 |
| Four+ Axle Vehicles (Large Trucks) | $4.00 | $1.70 | Jan 1, 2026 |
| Bicycles | FREE | FREE | Always Free |
Annual Cost Impact for Commuters
Based on daily commuting patterns:
- Daily commuter with E-ZPass: $0.85 × 250 work days = $212.50 annually
- Daily commuter paying cash: $2.00 × 250 work days = $500 annually
- 19-year commuter example: Over $10,000 in total toll costs (documented case)
- 2026 savings: Complete elimination of these annual costs
How to Pay Coleman Bridge Tolls (Through 2025)
The Coleman Bridge accepts both cash and electronic payment methods until toll elimination:
1. E-ZPass Electronic Payment (Recommended):
- 57.5% savings vs. cash rates ($0.85 vs $2.00 for cars)
- Works on all Virginia toll facilities and 16 other states
- Available at 500+ retail locations statewide
- Call 877-762-7824 or visit ezpassva.com for setup
2. Cash Payment at Toll Booth:
- Available during staffed hours at toll plaza
- Higher rates: $2.00 for cars, $3.00-$4.00 for larger vehicles
- Limited availability - check operating hours
3. Bicycle Access:
- Always free for bicycles
- Dedicated bicycle lane on right side of far right travel lane
- Safe crossing maintained for cyclists
Recent Changes (2025)
Historic Toll Elimination Decision:
- Virginia General Assembly budget bill (HB1600) approved by Governor Youngkin
- Item 441 D.1 mandates toll elimination by January 1, 2026
- Funds not requiring reimbursement to Toll Facility Revolving Account
- Represents permanent end to tolling on Coleman Bridge
Economic Development Expectations:
- Gloucester County preparing for growth surge similar to 1976 toll removal
- "Undisputed gateway" to Gloucester County and Middle Peninsula now toll-free
- Expected to reduce commuter costs and increase cross-river travel
- Enhanced economic connectivity between Peninsula and Middle Peninsula
Community Impact:
- Elimination of $200-500 annual toll burden for regular commuters
- Improved access to employment, shopping, and services
- Enhanced connectivity for Historic Triangle to Gloucester region
- Reduced barriers to Middle Peninsula tourism and development
Bridge Features & Operations
Engineering Significance:
- Largest double-swing bridge: Largest in United States, second largest worldwide
- Strategic importance: Only public crossing of York River
- Length: 3,750 feet (1,140 meters) of four-lane highway
- Height: 90 feet above water at highest point
Bridge Opening Schedule:
- No openings: Monday-Friday 5:00-8:00 AM and 3:00-7:00 PM
- Emergency openings: Available for vessels in distress
- Naval access: Opens for Navy vessels accessing Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
- Commercial vessels: Opens upon demand per federal maritime regulations
Traffic Volume:
- Nearly one million vehicles cross monthly
- 28,000+ vehicles daily (pre-pandemic levels)
- Critical commuter route between Peninsula and Middle Peninsula
- Reconstruction in 1995 expanded from 2 to 4 lanes
Regional Connections & Access
Geographic Importance:
- York County (South): Historic Yorktown, Colonial National Historical Park
- Gloucester County (North): Gateway to Middle Peninsula region
- US Route 17: Major north-south arterial through Eastern Virginia
- Historic Triangle: Connects to Williamsburg and Jamestown region
Military and Naval Connections:
- Naval Weapons Station Yorktown upstream access
- Strategic military installation connectivity
- Navy vessels require periodic bridge openings
- Federal navigation channel maintenance
Alternative Crossings:
- No direct alternatives: Only public York River crossing
- Upstream options: State Route 33 crosses tributaries at West Point
- Regional detours: Require significant additional travel time
- 2026 impact: Toll elimination removes financial barrier to crossing
Planning Your Journey
Current Travel Considerations (Through 2025):
- Tolls only charged northbound (Yorktown to Gloucester Point)
- Southbound travel always toll-free
- E-ZPass provides 57.5% savings over cash
- Bridge openings restricted during peak commute hours
Post-2026 Benefits:
- Complete elimination of toll costs for all vehicles
- Reduced barriers to Middle Peninsula economic development
- Enhanced tourism and recreational access
- Improved connectivity for emergency services and commerce
Bridge Opening Considerations:
- Morning restrictions: No openings 5:00-8:00 AM Monday-Friday
- Evening restrictions: No openings 3:00-7:00 PM Monday-Friday
- Emergency vessels: Can request openings with proper authority
- Planning: Check VDOT 511 for any scheduled openings
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly do Coleman Bridge tolls end?
All tolls, rates, fees, and charges end permanently on January 1, 2026, per Virginia's 2024-2026 budget bill (HB1600). The bridge will be completely toll-free starting that date.
Why were tolls eliminated on Coleman Bridge?
The Virginia General Assembly approved toll elimination to reduce financial barriers and promote economic development in Gloucester County and the Middle Peninsula region. The bridge bonds have been satisfied.
Do I pay tolls in both directions?
No, tolls are only collected when traveling northbound (from Yorktown/York County to Gloucester Point/Gloucester County). Southbound travel has always been toll-free.
How much can I save with E-ZPass before 2026?
E-ZPass provides significant savings: $0.85 vs $2.00 cash for cars (57.5% savings). Daily commuters can save $287.50 annually with E-ZPass until toll elimination.
Can bicycles cross the Coleman Bridge?
Yes, bicycles can cross free of charge using the dedicated bicycle lane located on the right side of the far right travel lane. This accommodation has always been available.
When does the bridge open for boats?
The bridge opens upon vessel demand per federal regulations, but not during peak commute hours (5-8 AM and 3-7 PM, Monday-Friday). Emergency vessels can request openings at any time.
Coleman Bridge vs. Regional Bridges
| Bridge | Crossing | Current Toll | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Bridge | York River (US-17) | $0.85-$2.00 | TOLL-FREE |
| James River Bridge | James River (US-17) | FREE | Remains free |
| Downtown Tunnel | Elizabeth River | $2.27-$4.38 | Tolled |
| CBBT | Chesapeake Bay | $14.00-$18.00 | Tolled |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | Hampton Roads | FREE | Remains free |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Virginia Toll Roads - Complete Virginia toll system overview
- Hampton Roads Bridges - Regional bridge and tunnel network
- US Route 17 Virginia - Complete highway information
- E-ZPass Virginia - Electronic toll payment setup
- Gloucester County Transportation - Local transportation network
- York County Transportation - Regional connectivity
Regional Toll Facilities:
- Elizabeth River Tunnels - Downtown and Midtown Tunnels with toll relief
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel - Major Eastern Shore connection
- Jordan Bridge - Hampton Roads crossing
- Powhite Parkway - Richmond area toll road
Official Resources:
- VDOT Customer Service: 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623)
- E-ZPass Virginia: 1-877-762-7824
- Bridge Operations: Monitor VDOT 511 for openings
- Gloucester County: (804) 693-4042
- York County: (757) 890-3300
