AIWW North Landing Bridge

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.

Table explaining effects of each alternative

Table explaining effects of each alternative.

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.

WEST AND EAST ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS AT 10% DESIGN (NOT FINAL)

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

NORTH LANDING BRIDGE VICINITY MAP

Graphic explaining Executive Order 11988—Floodplain Management; download a readable pdf at https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll7/id/10528