1972
An indispensable link in Richmond’s transit network, the six-lane Manchester Bridge is among the city’s largest. The city-owned bridge traverses some 3000 feet of the James River to connect 9th Street downtown with Commerce Road in Southside.
The bridge is composed of a steel supported deck resting on a series of concrete arches. Their subtle curves recall the tapered legs of mid-century modern furniture. When viewed from below, the array of arches evokes a cathedral interior.
The Manchester Bridge was preceded by the old 9th Street bridge, a much lower and narrower structure that was decommissioned in 1972, the year the new bridge was completed. Hurricane Agnes struck that same year, causing the flooded James River to fully submerge the older bridge. The designers made sure to elevate the deck of the new Manchester bridge far above the flood zone.
Unfortunately, this has given the bridge an indifferent attitude to the surrounding city, particularly on the south side where it must be accessed by a set of long ramps. Unlike the Mayo Bridge to the east and other bridges of older make, which tend to cross at the same elevation as surrounding streets, the Manchester Bridge has an imposing, infrastructural ambience. For pedestrians, the problem is exacerbated by the single sidewalk that runs down the center of the bridge, blocking what would be sweeping views to the river below.
Recently, a group of motivated citizens has put forward a plan to reimagine the bridge known as Richmond BridgePark. The project aims to add pedestrian and cycling amenities to the west side of the bridge in the form a narrow, linear park. The park would extend beyond the ends of the bridge to connect to other green spaces in the downtown and Manchester areas. The group is currently raising development funds and has entered into discussions with the City of Richmond and local residents about the next chapter in the life of the Manchester bridge.
DOK
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