News Release

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - The Coast Guard Captain of the Port lifted the safety zone a half mile in either direction of the James River Bridge at about 9:30 a.m. Friday, allowing all traffic to transit the river through the main channel only.

Dominion Power removed the downed power lines from the main channel and is working to remove the remaining line.

Coast Guard Auxiliary and Virginia Marine Resource Commission personnel are ensuring mariners only transit the main channel.

Previous news release: Coast Guard closes waterway near James River Bridge

The Coast Guard Cutter Albacore receives the cutter's small boat at about 10:30 a.m. Friday before being relieved by the Coast Guard Auxiliary to ensure boaters stay in the main channel of the James River. The Albacore crew and Virginia Marine Resource Commission personnel enforced a safety zone on James River a half mile north and south of the James River Bridge. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/PA3 Ann Marie Gorden)

The Coast Guard Cutter Albacore heads back to port at 11 a.m. Friday after being relieved by the Coast Guard Auxiliary to ensure boaters stay in the main channel of the James River. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/PA3 Ann Marie Gorden)