Chatham Bridge Past, Present, Future By Lily Eghtessad & Sonja Cantu
Chatham Bridge, 1886
bridge in 1823 by the new owner of Chatham, Major Churchill Jones. However, the bridge only stood approximately three years until 1826
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing to rehabilitate the State Route 3 Business bridge over the Rappahannock River. Also known as Chatham Bridge, it is a main connection between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.
WHY
IS THE BRIDGE CLOSING NOW ?
Built in 1941, the Chatham Bridge is structurally deficient and repairs are needed to improve its overall condition. Its weight limit prevents heavier-weight emergency service vehicles from crossing the river, as well as some commercial delivery trucks. The bridge carries around 16,000 vehicles a day. (Compare this to the Falmouth Bridge, Route 1 Bypass at 35,000 vehicles a day or Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River at 149,000 vehicles a day.) According to VDOT, "Virginia's State of Good Repair program is funding this project, as the bridge has been identified in need of significant maintenance. When work is complete, the project will make it safer and easier for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the structure." The bridge closure is anticipated to begin as soon as late May 2020, and remain in place for an anticipated 16-1 18 months.
WHAT
IS THE HISTORY OF THE BRIDGE ?
The first bridge on record was built in 1796 by William Fitzhugh, owner of the Chatham property. The 1820 flood necessitated the construction of a new
Bridge Construction 1940 when a flood carried away the entire structure. According to the Virginia Herald, it was considered by many to be "one of our most delightful promenades." The bridge was rebuilt in 1832 and was eventually burned down by Confederates in April 1862, leaving nothing but the abutments. In July 1866, the bridge was rebuilt by C. S. Scott, and became known as "Scott's Bridge," which was destroyed by a great flood in 1889. A steel truss bridge was constructed in 1891 and William Street was raised 15 feet to accommodate the structure. This bridge was wiped out by the flood of 1937 and was eventually replaced in 1941 with the bridge we all know and use today.
WHAT
WILL THE NEW BRIDGE LOOK LIKE ?
Fast forward to 2020. The existing piers are in good shape and will be reused, with a new deck being built on top. The finished bridge will be approximately 3' 7" wider with the same style of church railing and lampposts. A new shared used path is being added on the downriver side of the bridge (closest to the Old Stone Warehouse) with out for an overlook bump-o pedestrians to view the river. It will connect Fredericksburg with Stafford's Belmont-Ferry Farm trail and will be designated part of the East Coast Greenway, connecting cities from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida.
WHERE
IS THE DETOUR ?
Drivers from Stafford will be detoured along the Blue and Gray Parkway to the exit for Dixon Street to downtown Fredericksburg. GPS and private online mapping providers will be kept updated during the project by VDOT so that all tourists and visitors will seamlessly follow
the detour into downtown. Downtown Fredericksburg will remain accessible by all other routes. Street parking and public parking lots will be unaffected by the bridge closure and downtown will be operating "business as usual" throughout the Chatham Bridge Project.
MAY WE INTRODUCE THE "THE ROAD SCHOLAR?" You may recognize The Road Scholar as George Washington wearing safety equipment! He's our friendly guide on how to travel, work, visit and play in downtown Fredericksburg during the Chatham Bridge Detour. Find him online now at www.FXBGBridge.com. And coming soon, you'll see more bridge-related marketing campaigns courtesy of Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority and the City of Fredericksburg in support of our downtown businesses and restaurants. For Questions and Suggestions please contact: City of Fredericksburg: Danelle Rose, Visitor Center/Tourism Services Manager, darose@fredericksburgva.gov, 540-372-1216 Sonja Cantu, Public Information Officer, spcantu@fredericksburgva.gov, 540-372-1010 VDOT Fredericksburg District: Kelly Hannon, Communications Manager, kelly.hannon@vdot.virginia.gov, 540-374-3344 Sonja Cantu is the Public Information Officer for the City of FXBG Lily Eghtessad is a Historic Preservation Major at UMW Photos courtesy of the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center & VDOT
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May 2020
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