Jefferson Park Avenue Extended Bridge Replacement

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Jefferson Park Avenue Extended Bridge Replacement
JPA-bridge.jpg

Completed

Project Overview

increase access to Fontaine Research Park
Cost $11.7 million
Location Charlottesville
Sponsor VDOT

Status Update

Opened September 21, 2012

The City of Charlottesville and the Virginia Department of Transportation replaced a bridge that carries Jefferson Park Avenue Extended over the Norfolk-Southern railroad line that travels south from Charlottesville to Lynchburg. The bridge was shut down on April 4, 2011 and was expected to be finished by September 2012. [1] VDOT opened the bridge a few days early. [2]


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About

The new bridge is 67 feet wide with sidewalks and has bike lanes on both sides of the bridge. The project was advertised to bidders in August 2010. [3] and construction had been slated to begin as early as the November 2010.[4] The total cost estimate for the project is $11.7 million.[5] During construction, a nearby road called Mulberry Avenue was converted to one-way traffic to avoid cut-through traffic through parts of the neighborhood.[6]

After almost a year and a half of construction, the bridge open September 21, 2012. [7] [2]

Neighborhood concerns

During the planning process, members of the Fry's Spring Neighborhood Association were concerned that VDOT's original plans were for a bridge they said was too large and would increase cut-through traffic.[8]. With the construction imminent, residents are now concerned that Shamrock Road will become unsafe for pedestrians given that there are no sidewalks for pedestrians to safely cross the railroad track.[9]

Shops and restaurants in the Wayside area reported a severe drop in business since the work began and worried they would not make it through. [5] However, none closed permanently as a result of construction. [citation needed]

Project history

  • 8/15/2007: Re-scoping meeting held with VDOT
  • 9/13/2007: VDOT and City officials meet with Fry's Spring Neighborhood Association and Jefferson Park Avenue Neighborhood Association
  • 9/2/2008: City Council briefed on project, approves concept for 67-foot-long bridge[10]
  • 3/11/2009: FSNA grants approval of 9 potential designs
  • 6/2009: FSNA shown final design by VDOT
  • 8/11/2010: Project advertised for construction
  • 12/15/2010: Bids have been received and are being evaluated by VDOT
  • 4/4/2011: Bridge close for construction. [1]
  • 9/21/2012: Actual opening of new bridge [2]
  • 9/24/2012: Estimated completion time[7]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Web. JEFFERSON PARK AVENUE CLOSURE SET FOR APRIL 4, Paula Jones, March 18, 2011, retrieved March 19, 2011.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Web. VDOT Completes JPA Bridge, Jaman's Gap Road Improvements, Virginia Department of Transportation, September 21, 2012, retrieved October 17, 2012.
  3. Virginia Department of Transportation. JPA BRIDGE PROJECT ADVERTISED FOR CONSTRUCTION. 11 Aug. 2010. Web. 20 Aug. 2010. <http://www.cvilletomorrow.org/docs/2010810-JPABridgeAdvert.pdf>
  4. FY09-12 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. Rep. Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization. Web. 13 Oct. 2009. <http://www.tjpdc.org/pdf/TIP/FINAL_%20FY09%20TIP.pdf>
  5. 5.0 5.1 Web. By the Wayside: Busted bridge burns businesses, Dave McNair, The Hook, Better Publications LLC, November 3, 2011, retrieved November 18, 2011. Print. November 17, 2011 , 1046, .
  6. Web. Mulberry Avenue will temporarily become one-way, Daily Progress staff, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, August 31, 2011, retrieved August 31, 2011.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Web. JPA bridge reopening can't come soon enough for neighbors, Megan E. Davis, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, August 11, 2012, retrieved August 16, 2012.
  8. "Frys' Spring Neighborhood Association | FSNA." Fry's Spring Neighborhood Association | FSNA. Web. 19 Oct. 2009. <http://fsna.avenue.org/JPA_bridge.html>.
  9. Dixit, Rachana. "Will Bridge Project Endanger Shamrock Road Pedestrians? | Daily Progress." Home | Daily Progress. 11 Sept. 2010. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. <http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/sep/11/will-bridge-project-endanger-shamrock-road-pedestr-ar-500924/>
  10. Tubbs, Sean J. "City Council Approves 67-foot Bridge for JPA." Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center. 8 Sept. 2008. Web. 20 Aug. 2010. <http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/charlottesville_tomorrow_/2008/09/jpa_bridge.html>.

External links

Official site