The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(PORTSMOUTH, Va.) — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for the port of Hampton Roads has closed down all river traffic on portions of the southern branch of the Elizabeth River after receiving a report of unexploded ordnance being discovered in the area, Friday.
Contractors working on the demolition of the old bridge span of the Gilmerton Bridge uncovered what is reported to be old, unexploded naval ordnance.
As a precautionary measure, the Captain of the Port closed the waterway to all maritime traffic from Money Point to the I-64 High Rise Bridge, while a Navy explosive ordnance disposal unit inspects the objects.
The Chesapeake Police Department has also blocked all train and bridge traffic along the route.
For road closure inquiries contact the Chesapeake Police Department at 757-240-0579.
For inquiries concerning the unexploded ordnance and the Navy EOD unit contact Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs at 757-322-2853.
