RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) -The Texas Beach pedestrian bridge will reopen by the end of 2026, Richmond Parks and Recreation said Friday.
The bridge, which serves as the only legal access point to Texas Beach on the James River, has been closed since 2022 due to structural issues.
It was first built in the late 1970s.
The city said construction crews are making good progress toward the reopening goal.
“There is wood behind me that is going to be replaced with the aluminum decking,” said Allen McCown, construction manager for Richmond Parks and Recreation. “We also have to do all the stair treads on the south tower because there was a lot of the steel cross bracing that was replaced.”
The material used on the bridge will be more pet-friendly, designed to prevent animals’ nails from getting stuck while crossing, according to the city.
McCown said over the years, it has proven to be a slow-moving process. Parks and Recreation staff cited challenges during the repair process including the bridge’s location, coordination with the railroad system and securing approval to use federal funding, as the project receives money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“So there is an additional level of reporting and making sure we are doing the right thing with all the money the city was given,” McCown said.
Improvements are also being made to the surrounding area leading down to the bridge.
A group of VCU students worked Friday afternoon to remove invasive species on the trail leading down to the bridge.
“They are going through and removing all the English ivy from the ground and we’re trying to clear up the understudy to improve the seed soil bank,” said Becca Hoover.
Becca Hoover, who also works for Friends of the James River Park, said the goal is to clean-up the area to promote native biodiversity.
Once the bridge opens back up, Hoover said she plans to go down to Texas Beach and check-out what invasive species it’s dealing with, too.
In the meantime, the city is stressing the importance of staying off the bridge as construction continues.
“Trespassing is going to delay the project. And if you want it reopened and done by December continue to bear with us,” McCown said.
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