Why is the new bridge to Brown's Island still blocked off with danger signs? Not a great sight for visitors. - M. Peskin [@bollbach]
This question came to me on Twitter back on January 13 and it is in reference to the new Brenton S. Halsey Bridge at Brown's Island, a pedestrian bridge that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and fills a need as an additional connection to the popular park, especially for crowded events like the Richmond Folk Festival.
The bridge was dedicated on Dec. 2, 2011, but was blocked off to public use until Feb. 1, 2012 -- nearly two months. During the dedication, dozens of on-lookers walked on the bridge, so why the near two-month delay? I had wondered this myself, even checked with Venture Richmond (the facilitator for the project) a couple of times to get scoop on the hold up.
To find out, I contacted Sharon North, Public Information Manager for the City of Richmond Department of Public Works. She said the city had "a few items to complete" prior to public opening the bridge. The final walk-through was held Wednesday and then the bridge was opened.
"Nothing was being inspected," she said in an email. "A few items had to be ordered. Plus, the holidays and other projects (contractor availability) increased the delay."
Venture Richmond later tweeted that the inspector graded the bridge as "A+" -- which is as good as it gets.
The $1.3 million bridge was privately funded, and was given to the City of Richmond. It spans the Haxall Canal and connects to Brown's Island from the intersection of 5th and Tredegar streets. See photos and video of the construction process.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement