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The first of two new bridges across the Dismal Swamp Canal is slated to open in late January.

After 18 months of construction, the Deep Creek Bridge replacement project in Chesapeake is just less than half-completed. New dual spans over the canal will replace the two-lane, 20-foot-wide bridge that was built in 1934.

Officials have deemed the old bridge functionally obsolete. That means it’s safe but inadequate for current demands. About 30,000 vehicles per day cross the bridge, which carries U.S. 17 Business south toward Elizabeth City. Moses Grandy Trail connects to the east side of the bridge, which continues as Cedar Road toward the Great Bridge area.

The Deep Creek neighborhood’s growth has brought more traffic, pushing the capacity of t

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