THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605220173
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 57 lines
The Gilmerton Bridge, one of the city's oldest spans, is nearing a major overhaul, according to city officials.
What kind of a bridge it becomes and how much the city wants to spend, however, remain undetermined.
According to state Transportation Department officials, the Gilmerton is one of the most structurally unsound - but still safe - drawbridges in eastern Virginia.
But spending an estimated $18 million to repair the bridge will likely provide only 50 more years of service.
Another choice, according to city officials, is to spend an estimated $28 million for two new spans over the southern branch of the Elizabeth River at Military Highway.
The City Council on Tuesday discussed the bridge's future at a work session and reached no decision.
Officials from the city's Public Works Department said spending $18 million on the bridge does not fit into the city's master plan, which calls for the road to be expanded to six and then eight lanes.
Spending for a short-term future ``just doesn't sound like a very good investment,'' said D.R. Stout, city engineer, adding that the $18 million would allow only four lanes of traffic with no barrier between opposing traffic.
But council members, facing several years of tight capital funds, said that's all they may be able to do.
``We've got to look at what we can afford to do,'' said Councilman John E. Allen.
About 35,000 vehicles use the Gilmerton Bridge each day. By the year 2010, an estimated 45,000 vehicles are expected to be using it daily.
While the bridge is in poor shape, it is not a danger, officials said. But, like the Jordan Bridge, the day could come when the Gilmerton might open and not be able to close without costly repairs.
Transportation officials have recommended that city officials move up the bridge's renovation, scheduled to begin in 1997.
Repairs could close the bridge for 13 months, which would not be popular with nearby merchants.
Other options include:
Building a three-lane parallel bridge and repairing the existing bridge. Cost: $39.1 million.
Building twin three-lane parallel bridges that would make it easier for ships to navigate a turn in the river. Cost: $49.7 million.
Building twin, three-lane bridges with a 65-foot vertical clearance. Cost: $66.2 million.
John O'Connor, director of public works, said the city would try to get federal and state money for 98 percent of the bridge costs.
In other council action, five communication towers for cellular and new digital wireless phone service were approved unanimously by the council at its regular meeting.
The approval came while the council considers an ordinance governing the placement of such towers. City planners and the council want to make sure the towers don't infringe on residential areas. by CNB