Should new Mayo Bridge have bike lanes & overlooks?

Do you think the replacement for the Mayo Bridge should have an overlook? Can you do without the bridge while it is being fixed? Should Richmond fix the current structure or totally replace it? Are the current sidewalks adequate? What about bike lanes? New lighting and parapets? The City of Richmond will hold a public meeting Tuesday from 6 to […]

April 25, 2011; 8:38 PM • by Phil Riggan

Do you think the replacement for the Mayo Bridge should have an overlook? Can you do without the bridge while it is being fixed? Should Richmond fix the current structure or totally replace it? Are the current sidewalks adequate? What about bike lanes? New lighting and parapets?

The City of Richmond will hold a public meeting Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St, to present potential options for improving the Mayo Bridge, also known as the 14th Street Bridge, and Manchester Canal Bridge. There will be a brief presentation, along with various alternatives for review. There also will be an opportunity for those in attendance to provide input and share their ideas.

As part of the City of Richmond’s commitment to bridge infrastructure maintenance, both bridges are being studied to determine if they should be rehabilitated or replaced. Please join us at the upcoming Public Information Meeting. Public input will assist us with the alternative selection process.

Online Survey: www.mayobridgeimprovements.com

From the City of Richmond, some frequently asked questions about this study:

1. How much will the study cost and how is it funded? The study will cost approximately $1,000,000.00 and is federally funded.
2. Will consideration be given to fishing? Yes.  The possibility of providing overlooks is being studied in Phase II of the study.
3. Is the Mayo Bridge on the Historic Register? The Mayo Bridge is a contributing element to the Manchester Residential and Commercial Historic District.
4. Is the City going to be building anything on Mayo Island?  Any potential development or change of land use Mayo Island would be considered separately from this study.

FACTS: The original Mayo’s Bridge, named after the family who built it, was built on this site in 1785. Since that time a bridge has been located at this site continuously. This site is one of the oldest James River crossings. The present Mayo Bridge, constructed in 1913, is 1,375 feet long (north and south sections combined) and bears a strong resemblance to the architecturally renowned Pont Neuf in Paris, France. Not only is the bridge considered a local landmark, but it is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure within the Manchester Warehouse Industrial Historic District.

April 25, 2011 8:38 PM 0