The city of Roanoke held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for the Wasena Bridge project, a $50.3 million initiative that will replace the existing bridge with a new, modern, and sustainable structure.
A Long-Awaited Project
The Wasena Bridge, also known as the Main Street Bridge, is a vital link between the Wasena, Old Southwest, and Mountain View neighborhoods, as well as the Roanoke River Greenway. The bridge was built in 1934 and has been deteriorating over the years, posing safety and maintenance issues. The city has been planning to replace the bridge since 2016, but faced several delays due to funding, design, and environmental challenges.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the official start of the construction phase, which is expected to last until spring 2025. The city has contracted Archer Western, a national construction firm, to execute the project. David Johnson, the project executive for Archer Western, said that the company is honored to be part of this historic project and will work closely with the city and the community to minimize the impact of the construction.
A Signature Bridge
The new Wasena Bridge will not only be functional, but also aesthetic and environmentally friendly. The bridge will feature designated bike lanes, wider sidewalks, a roundabout, and LED lighting. The bridge will also have a distinctive arch design that will make it a landmark for the city. The city hired Hill Studio, a local architecture and planning firm, to develop the design concept for the bridge, based on the feedback and preferences of the residents and stakeholders.
The city hopes that the new bridge will enhance the quality of life, mobility, and connectivity of the area, as well as attract more visitors and businesses. Chris Chittum, the director of planning, building, and development for the city, said that the bridge is a critical piece of the city’s infrastructure and vision. He said that the bridge will reflect the character and identity of the city and the neighborhoods, while also meeting the current and future needs of the users.
A Community Effort
The Wasena Bridge project is a result of a collaborative effort between the city, the state, the federal government, and the community. The project is funded by a combination of sources, including the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, the city’s capital improvement program, and the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization. The project also received a $18.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program in 2019, which helped accelerate the project timeline.
The city also engaged the community throughout the planning and design process, seeking input and feedback from the residents and stakeholders of the affected neighborhoods. The city hosted several public meetings, surveys, and consultations to gather information and preferences on the bridge features and design. The city also communicated with the community about the project updates, detours, and impacts. The city thanked the community for their patience, support, and involvement in the project.
