Study Authority, Scope, and Study Area - Purpose and Need
Study Authority, Scope and Study Area Study Authority is Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-611). Bridge is located at the eastern border of Chesapeake and the southwestern border of Virginia Beach. Connects North Landing Road in Virginia Beach to Mount Pleasant Road in Chesapeake, across the North Landing River and the Albemarle and Chesapeake (A&C) Canal/Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, a federally-maintained navigable channel. Waterway serves vessels traveling from the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River to the Currituck Sound. Scope includes associated roadway, bridge approaches, abutments, supporting piers, pile foundation, fender system, mechanical and electrical systems, and operator’s control house. Bridge is currently 24 feet wide, curb-to-curb, with no shoulder, and has an 80-foot horizontal channel clearance when open Purpose and Need To develop and evaluate various alternatives for rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge, consistent with USACE inland navigation mission, while also improving bridge’s performance. Double Swing Span two-lane bridge was constructed in 1951. Has high maintenance costs. Is often shut down for repairs. Does not meet current design standards for vehicle traffic volume and weight limits. Structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.