Richmond.com is doing what everyone is doing at the end of the year and making lists. The Nickel Bridge was number 8 on their Top Ten: Richmond in 2010.

A Toll-Free Nickel Bridge

It’s the only non-expressway toll in the city. Drivers who take the Boulevard Bridge aren’t taking it to shorten their commute or avoid traffic. They’re taking it because it’s the bridge that connects Westover Hills to that north side of the river … much like Huguenot residents take the Huguenot Bridge or Woodland Heights residents take the Lee Bridge or Manchester Residents take the Manchester Bridge. So why does Westover Hills and Forest Hill have to pay (not to mention sit in the traffic)?

That was the only one that was directly about H&H but a few others were in the ballpark including bikelanes (Richmond.com in favor), smoking ban (Richmond.com against), and development along the river (Richmond.com in favor).

The RTD has some great pictures of Boulevard aka Nickel Bridge which turned 85 yesterday. I swiped one picture go to the link to see the rest.

It was once known as the “Nickel Bridge” for the 5-cent fare. People who bought lots in Westover Hills had free passage across the bridge until 1960. The RMA purchased the bridge in 1969 while building the expressway system. The toll was raised periodically over the years, reaching 35 cents last year.

Just heard (4:07) from a neighbor that Nickel Bridge is closed both ways due to an accident. Will post more details once I have them.

Update 5:38 – Didn’t see anything on any of the traffic sites or news. So I assume all is back to normal.

The Boulevard “Nickel” Bridge will undergo scheduled maintenance beginning Tuesday, May 26 through Tuesday, June 16, daily between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. During this period, motorists will experience an alternating traffic pattern through the temporary traffic control zone. Drivers should pay special attention to signage in the area, and be prepared to stop for periods of time as directed by flaggers and the maintenance crew. In addition, pedestrians who utilize the Bridge’s walkway should also be mindful, particularly in the immediate work zone.

A test program starting next month by the Richmond Metro Authority will be charging .25 per person to use the bridge. The logic being that more people equal more weight thus a higher toll for a carload than a single driver. Bicyclist and walkers will also be charged this toll. New thermal detecting cameras will be installed to detect the number of bodies in a car and the total will show up on a reader board so that driver’s can see the correct amount they owe or that will be charged directly to their EZ-Pass.

One advocate was a recent visitor to Maymont who stated, “On a sunny day the park gets really, really crowded. This toll idea will be a good way to keep some of those on the other side of the river on the proper side of the river.” Merchants in Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom are not as thrilled because they fear that some of the previous traffic that was using the Nickel Bridge would be diverted south and start using the Mayo Bridge. Representatives of the Merchant’s Association were quoted as saying, “You know we really already have all the business we can handle. More customers just mean more work for us and frankly we are running out of places to put all our money. Thanks but no thanks.” Richmond stated they are considering adding a toll to Mayo Bridge as well.

The program expects to be fully operational by May 1st and will run until March 1st. After March 1st a month long study will analyze the feasibility of expanding the program. The result of the feasibility study will be released April 1st 2010.

Image courtesy of VCU Image Library

Not much of a news article but Nickle Bridge was mentioned in the paper so I am using it as an excuse to post an old postcard. The bridge was mentioned as having some of the worst potholes in the city.

There are some immediately south of the Boulevard Bridge (Nickel Bridge) in the northbound lane. Heading down the grade toward the bridge, most vehicles pick up speed only to slam on the brakes as they reach the potholes just before the bridge begins. With traffic coming the other direction, there is often no way to avoid the potholes. — Jonathan C.

According to the Westover Hills Neigborhood Association a complaint has already been filed with the city to get that area fixed. I won’t swear to it but I think they have been patched but it is still really rough in the area mentioned.

Why Richmond, Why takes on a little Nickel Bridge history.