AIWW North Landing Bridge

Published April 12, 2019

Background
North Landing Bridge is owned and operated by Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway project. The bridge is a two-lane, double-swing draw span that crosses the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, connecting the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, Virginia. It opened in 1951 to serve rural traffic and has become functionally obsolete, carrying well in excess of its 8,000-vehicle-per-day design capacity.

Replacement study scope
The study's general scope includes investigating the feasibility of replacing the bridge and turning it over to the local sponsor. The study will review the existing bridge's operation and maintenance, examine alternatives and determine whether there is a feasible plan for replacement of the aging bridge.

Funds to start the study were received in fiscal year 2017. It began in September 2017 and is expected to culminate with a Chief’s Report in fiscal year 2020.   

Authorization
The study authority is Section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970. The initial appraisal was approved by North Atlantic Division in June 2012. Based on its authority, the study is being conducted at 100 percent federal cost.

Study cost
$3 million

 


Storyboards from April 2019 Public Information Meeting 

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.
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.
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0001
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, TABLE 1
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, TABLE 1
Table explaining effects of each alternative
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0002
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, TABLE 2
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, TABLE 2
Table explaining effects of each alternative.
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0003
CULTURAL RESOURCES
CULTURAL RESOURCES
The Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal, constructed in 1859, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. The existing North Landing Bridge is cited in the National Register nomination as a contributing property. Demolition of the bridge is therefore an adverse effect to the historic district. Changes to the landscape of the canal such as the construction of a new bridge may also be adverse effects. High ground areas near the Great Dismal Swamp have proven to have been favorite sites for Native American hunting camps, some dating back thousands of years. Additionally, the term North Landing refers to the location being at the head of navigation of the North River, an important transportation location. The place name is shown on maps dating as early as 1781. USACE is working with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources on a Programmatic Agreement in which USACE will stipulate to measures that will mitigate the adverse effects to the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal Historic District, to the completion of archaeological surveys, and mitigation through data recovery of effects to any significant archaeological sites that may be identified. The public is invited to submit questions or comments on this process. There is a known small cemetery on the east side of the road. USACE could not obtain the rights of entry for all parcels, and surveys for the remaining areas are ongoing or will be conducted at a later date.
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0004
WEST AND EAST ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS AT 10% DESIGN (NOT FINAL)
WEST AND EAST ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS AT 10% DESIGN (NOT FINAL)
WEST AND EAST ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS AT 10% DESIGN (NOT FINAL)
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0005
TENTATIVELY SELECTED PLAN: FIXED BRIDGE, EAST OR WEST
TENTATIVELY SELECTED PLAN: FIXED BRIDGE, EAST OR WEST
2-Lane Fixed Bridge Fixed Bridge Details  Two alignment alternatives still under consideration: There is one alignment to the east and one to the west of the existing bridge  Fixed high rise bridge; would not have to close for navigation traffic  2-lane bridge and approaches with shoulders  Longer crossing of wetlands but most of it would be spanned  Existing bridge will be removed  Adverse impacts to historic properties  Similar in costs  Either impacts residences on the northeast side  The east alignment potentially affects proposed City Park  The east alignment could potentially cause a small cemetery relocation Screening of Fixed Bridge over Moveable Options  Substantially less permanent wetland impacts than the moveable bridge alternatives  Lower maintenance costs  No road closures due to bridge openings for vessels  Moveable bridges have a more complicated design
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0006
NORTH LANDING BRIDGE VICINITY MAP
NORTH LANDING BRIDGE VICINITY MAP
NORTH LANDING BRIDGE VICINITY MAP
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0007
Federal agencies should avoid, to the extent possible, the long-and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of the Base Floodplain (FEMA 1% annual chance floodplain), and the avoidance of direct and indirect support of development in the Base Floodplain wherever there is a practicable alternative.
Executive Order 11988—Floodplain Management
Graphic explaining Executive Order 11988—Floodplain Management; download a readable pdf at https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll7/id/10528
Photo By: Sheree Perry
VIRIN: 190412-A-XO227-0008