From eyesore to icon: Arthur Ashe Bridge makeover in the works
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A rendering of the partially planned new Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge. Image: Courtesy of the city of Richmond
The Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge, which connects Scott's Addition to the Diamond District, is being replaced.
Why it matters: At more than 75 years old, the existing bridge, linking two of the city's hottest rising neighborhoods, has "exceeded its useful life," per the city.
The big picture: The patchy concrete structure is also kind of an eyesore, boasting views of construction and tree-sized weeds, plus a 30-year-old strip club if you're heading south.
- And ironically — despite the aforementioned tree-sized weeds — there's no shade on the bridge, making it a brutal walk or ride between the fast-growing neighborhoods, especially in summer and baseball season.
- So now, armed with some federal funding, the city is ready to tackle the replacement.
Zoom in: According to preliminary plans from the city, the new concrete and steel bridge will have wide protected sidewalks that are shared by pedestrians and cyclists.
- There will also be planters, lighting, shade from trees and steel beams, and benches so pedestrians can pause and enjoy the views, which by next year will include CarMax Park, the new baseball stadium.
By the numbers: The project is expected to cost $38 million.
- Richmond received $18.4 million in federal funding in 2022 for the new bridge, per WRIC.
- Last year, railroad company CSX committed $4 million toward it, BizSense reported.
- And the city is expected to kick in the remaining $15.6 million.
Worth noting: The estimated price tag for the new bridge last year was $23 million, per the Times-Dispatch.
- That's because that estimate was actually from 2021, city spokesperson Paige Hairston tells Axios.
- The cost is now $15 million higher in part because roadway construction costs have increased about 65% nationwide since then.
- Plus, CSX had its own design requirements, like a higher clearance and fewer piers, since the bridge crosses their lines.
Timeline: The design phase is expected to run through early next year, with the final design ready by March, per the city.
- Construction is slated to begin in fall 2026 and end by fall 2028.
- The bridge will remain open through construction, but will likely be reduced from four lanes to two, the Times-Dispatch reported last year.
What's next: The city wants locals to weigh in on the new design.
- City officials are hosting a public meeting to answer questions about the project and solicit design feedback at the Science Museum of Virginia on Wednesday at 5:30pm.