Why can’t we bike on the Edward E. Willey Bridge?

If you have ever ridden across the S-shaped Edward E. Willey Memorial Bridge in the westernmost tip of the City of Richmond, you may have been tempted to look out to see Bosher’s Dam and the high-priced homes in this beautiful area, which marks the beginning of the Falls of the James. The bridge connects […]

April 16, 2011; 3:23 AM • by Phil Riggan

If you have ever ridden across the S-shaped Edward E. Willey Memorial Bridge in the westernmost tip of the City of Richmond, you may have been tempted to look out to see Bosher’s Dam and the high-priced homes in this beautiful area, which marks the beginning of the Falls of the James.

The bridge connects Parham Road in Henrico County with the City of Richmond and Chippenham Parkway in the area near Stony Point Fashion Park. The roadway on the southbank in Richmond is designated with the following black and white sign:

Prohibited: Pedestrians, Bicycles, Mopeds, Animals, Self-Propelled Machinery or Equipment

The sign is also in place on the Henrico County side, where Parham Road passes under Riverside Drive before it heads down hill to the James River.

But why can’t we bike or walk over the Willey Bridge?  The emergency pull-off shoulders are as wide as a travel lane.  The bridge is very similar to the Robert E. Lee Bridge on the surface. Eventually, the reconstructed Huguenot Bridge will be of similar configuration. There are plenty of bike riders that would love to be able to cross in that area, as opposed to the Huguenot Bridge. 

The above list of transportation modes are banned from Chippenham Parkway, but the Chippenham isn’t the same as Route 288 or the Powhite Parkway, and shouldn’t have such strict designations, in my opinion. Just a mile south, as the Chippenham passes through Oxford, the road is a neighborhood connector, with stop lights.

There should be a designation to allow for pedestrians and bikers on the Willey Bridge, at least to connect people to Stony Point. That would probably mean that someone would try to drop a fishing line off the bridge or that someone might stop and admire the view, but more reasons to allow people to love where they live is a good idea and worth asking for.

April 16, 2011 3:23 AM 0