The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the city of Richmond are advancing plans to replace the Mayo Bridge. The current design calls for reducing vehicle lanes from four to two while expanding infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
The original project had called for replacing the superstructure while keeping the existing piers intact. However, a structural and geotechnical analysis found that at least one pier would need to be replaced. This led VDOT and the city to conclude that a full bridge replacement would be in the best interest of the public.
The change in scope more than doubled the estimated cost from approximately $90 million to $195 million, according to a federal grant application submitted by the city. Without a replacement, the current bridge would become unusable by 2035 due to structural failure risks from alkali-silica reaction in its concrete, according to the application.
The proposed configuration will reduce vehicle lanes from two in each direction to one in each direction. The design also introduces dedicated lanes for cyclists and a separated pedestrian walkway, with additional space on the western side of the bridge to better align with the existing trail system. The posted speed limit will be reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph, with traffic calming devices installed on Mayo Island.
The city applied for a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. This represents the maximum award amount and would cover nearly 13% of total project costs. According to the application, approximately $88 million has been allocated through existing federal, state and local programs, leaving roughly $82 million to be secured from additional sources including the city, the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and VDOT.
The project is currently in design, according to VDOT. The city’s grant application projected final design completion in late 2026, with construction running from fall 2027 through spring 2031. The existing bridge would close during construction, though positioning the new structure on a different footprint is intended to allow the current span to remain open longer and reduce detour duration.
The replacement bridge will serve as the sole access point for a planned public park on Mayo Island, which the city purchased in late 2023 for $15 million. The bridge connects the Manchester and Shockoe Bottom neighborhoods and carries U.S. Route 360 across the James River.
Photo by Kelly
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