On December 16, more than 100 community leaders and city officials attended a foundation pile-driving ceremony for the new South Norfolk Jordan Bridge at the Elizabeth River Boat Landing & Park in Chesapeake. The bridge replaces the Jordan Bridge, which closed November 2008, and connects Chesapeake to Portsmouth. This is a private bridge; 100% privately financed, using no local, state or federal money.

Those gathered were welcomed by William Harrell, City Manager of Chesapeake.  Linda Figg, President and CEO of Figg Bridge Developers addressed the crowd, saying, “We’ve come so far in a short amount of time.  This is a bridge to the future.”  Figg added, “Thank you to the leaders in Chesapeake and Portsmouth and the entire South Norfolk community for your enthusiastic support. Especially, thank you to the South Norfolk Civic League, the Hampton Roads Chamber and other distinguished organizations like yours."  Early on, the Chamber supported the construction of a new bridge and worked with city leaders and Figg Bridge Developers.

Portsmouth Mayor Kenneth Wright said, “This bridge will benefit the local economy both during and after construction.”  He added, “It will take some of the pressure off of the traffic of the downtown tunnel.” 

One of the bridge’s early supporters was Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff, who told the crowd, “This is a bridge to a brighter future.” 

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, who was impressed that in less than two years the project had all of the approvals and funding it needed.  Connaughton said, “It says a lot about this community and the people.”  He added, “This is a great day for these two cities and Hampton Roads.”  He also thanked VDOT, U.S. Coast Guard, and Army Corp. of Engineers for their help on the project.

Removal of the old Jordan Bridge, which closed in November 2008, is nearly complete.  Construction is moving forward on the new, modern bridge.  The bridge is scheduled to open in Spring 2012 and will offer all-electronic toll collection, eliminating the need for toll booths. 

For more information, visit www.SouthNorfolkJordanBridge.com