The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) expects the remaining half of the new Huguenot Memorial Bridge to open to all traffic Tuesday, May 28, weather permitting. The opening would come three months ahead of schedule, according to VDOT officials.

The new bridge is wider than the old bridge and includes one 12-foot travel lane and one 10-foot shoulder in each direction. The wider shoulders will function as both an emergency breakdown lane and an area for cyclists to safely use the bridge. In addition, there will be a 5-foot wide sidewalk on each side for pedestrians.

“The contractor, localities and VDOT have been committed since day one to keep this project on schedule,” said District Administrator Tom Hawthorne. “We’re pleased those efforts have resulted in the bridge opening three months ahead of schedule.” > Read more.

Among the Henrico County projects winning recognition at the 12th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards ceremony were Colonial Shooting Academy for Best Adaptive Reuse Project in the entertainment category (pictured, from left: Fred Thompson, Ed Coleman and John Dunlap), Parham Place III for Best New Office Building and West Broad Village for Best Sale/Acquisition Transaction. > Read more.

On May 5, 1963, at 3 p.m., officials of Varina High School dedicated their brand new school on Messer Road.

Exactly 50 years later, on May 5, 2013, at 3 p.m., VHS officials and community members will again congregate on Messer Road to dedicate the school and celebrate their sparkling new surroundings – courtesy of a three-year, $30-million renovation project of the facility and grounds. > Read more.

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The Henrico Citizen claimed 18 awards for news content and design in two industry competitions last month.

At the Virginia Press Association's annual conference in Norfolk April 20, the Citizen won seven awards in the VPA's annual News and Editorial Contest. Earlier last month, Citizen Managing Editor Patty Kruszewski won 11 awards in the Virginia Press Women's annual contest and tied for the overall sweepstakes award as the most-decorated recipient in the competition. > Read more.