Great Loop bridge planning reference

Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge

Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge on Atlantic ICW / Southern Branch Elizabeth Rivernear Chesapeake, VA; closed clearance about 7 ft. Very low rail bridge.

36.77450000, -76.29200000

Drawbridge / movable Railroad bridge
WaterwayAtlantic ICW / Southern Branch Elizabeth River
Route SegmentAtlantic ICW
Route VariantMain ICW
State / ProvinceVA
Nearest CityChesapeake
Mile MarkerMM 5.8
Bridge TypeRailroad lift/remote
Source Confidencemedium

What Boaters Should Know

Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge on Atlantic ICW / Southern Branch Elizabeth Rivernear Chesapeake, VA; closed clearance about 7 ft. Very low rail bridge.

Clearance And Opening Details

Vertical Clearance Closed7.00 ft
Vertical Clearance OpenNot verified
Horizontal ClearanceNot verified
VHF ChannelNot verified
Phone757-924-5320
Last Verified2026-06-08
Verify against current water level / bridge gauge before transit.

Opening / Contact Notes

Opening Schedule
Usually open; remote operation.
Operator / Contact
757-924-5320

Navigation And Regulatory Notes

Air Draft Notes
Closed/air-draft clearance: 7 ft. Datum/reference: Closed clearance at MHW per WG. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical
Navigation Notes
Usually open; remote operation. Coordinate with Gilmerton Bridge. Closed/air-draft clearance: 7 ft. Datum/reference: Closed clearance at MHW per WG. Clearance band: Route-limiting / Critical Usually open; remote operation.
Regulatory Notes
Usually open; remote operation. Coordinate with Gilmerton Bridge.

Planning Considerations

Confirm your vessel air draft, current water levels, bridge signage, official charts, bridge schedules, Local Notices to Mariners, and any VHF or phone procedures before approaching this bridge. If the bridge is movable, build extra time into your route plan for opening windows, traffic, restrictions, weather, and communication delays.

Planning awareness only: Bridge information is provided for planning awareness only. Always verify current bridge status, clearance, water levels, bridge schedules, opening restrictions, Local Notices to Mariners, bridge signage, and official charts before transit. FloatPlanWizard is not a navigation authority.