Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge

The Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge in Richmond, Virginia carries U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 301 across the James River at the Fall Line.

Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge
Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge viewed from underneath, showing footbridge to Belle Isle.
Coordinates37°31′49″N 77°27′02″W
Carries US 1 / US 301
CrossesJames River
LocaleRichmond, Virginia
Official nameRobert E. Lee Memorial Bridge
Other name(s)Lee Bridge
Location

The city acquired the original bridge from Richmond Bridge Corp in 1933, and it was named the James River Bridge but was later renamed for the Confederate general.[1] However, in light of the George Floyd protests in 2020, the Richmond City Council began the process of reverting its name to the James River Bridge.[2] It was originally constructed as a four lane toll facility and opened in 1934. In the 1980s, a replacement structure was built including a substantial realignment of the approach roadways at the south end. Work was completed in 1989.[3][4] It is toll-free and includes 3 lanes in either direction. An on-ramp and an off-ramp for South 2nd Street connects to the bridge over the north shore of the James River.[5] The Virginia War Memorial is located adjacent to its northern end.

A notable feature is a pedestrian footbridge which hangs below the road deck from Tredegar Street near the site of the Tredegar Iron Works on the north shore over to Belle Isle in the middle of the river.


Historical Marker located on the entrance of the bridge[6]

See also

References
  1. "Southside Richmond Landmarks and Neighborhoods". SouthsideRichmond.org. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  2. Suarez, Chris (June 16, 2020). "Richmond City Council to begin process of renaming Robert E. Lee bridge". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
  3. "Richmond Riverfront Plan" (PDF). City of Richmond. 26 November 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  4. Kappatos, Nicole. "From the Archives: The old Lee Bridge". Richmond Times Dispatch. Retrieved 27 September 2018. In 1985, the bridge was completely rebuilt as part of a $32 million project (and ended up costing more than $43.5 million). The new bridge created a six-lane replacement for the then-51-year-old bridge. The new bridge was dedicated in November 1988.
  5. Google (October 24, 2011). "Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  6. The Valentine. Richmond VA USA: Richmond Times Dispatch Collection.


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