Public Works Department - Bridges & Structures

South Norfolk Jordan Bridge

On Tuesday, January 27, 2009, City Council unanimously approved plans submitted by private sector business Figg Bridge Developers for a new Jordan Bridge. The new bridge will be a two-lane toll facility.

Following these frequently asked questions is more information on the Jordan Bridge, including history and a photo gallery.

Construction Updates

Four steel truss spans on both the east and west sides of the river were removed over the past month.
August 13, 2010
Span 4 lift completed
July 21, 2010
Phase two of the demolition continues and summer construction items noted
June 29, 2010
See photos of work crews in action over the past two weeks.
May 25, 2010
Local contractor, Seaward Marine Corporation (Seaward),
continues to make progress demolishing the Carl M. Jordan
Bridge.
May 4, 2010
The South Norfolk Jordan Bridge Project continues to make strides towards opening to traffic next
winter.
April 27, 2010
Read the latest update on the bridge from Figg Bridge Developers.
March 29, 2010

Why is this project important to our region?

Private investment and the utilization of tolls have been part of our region's transportation plans for decades. Given current economic realities, the only major projects that are close to actually being built are bridges and tunnels that involve private funding and tolls. The City of Chesapeake currently does not have funding for a new South Norfolk Jordan Bridge. In these types of situations, working with a private company is a way to accomplish our goals of re-opening a major artery to link Chesapeake and the City of Portsmouth without utilizing tax payer money.

What are the main points of the new bridge project?

FIGG Bridge Developers have been designing and building bridges for 30 years. They have built bridges in 38 states and 4 countries winning over 300 bridge awards.
Uses no public funds - 100% private ownership.
Provides unrestricted water and highway access - no bridge lifts - at a river clearance height that is greater than four of five existing bridges and a wider river clearance than four of five existing bridges.
Restores fire and police access to South Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Restores a critical surface transportation link in our regional network.
Trucks and heavy equipment destined for the Norfolk Navy Ship Yard and Portsmouth will be able to access a much shorter route.
Free for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Read the Proposal 1.6 MB.
See PowerPoint Slideshow with information about the new bridge proposals.

Powerpoint slideshow - 3.3MB - optimized for web view

Powerpoint slideshow - 6.5MB

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