The Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) Bridge—the 28′-wide link between the Fry’s Spring Neighborhood and Scott Stadium, as well as one of the most insufficient bridges in the state—closes today for renovation. Built in 1932, the JPA Bridge will remain closed to all automobiles until September 2012 while it undergoes a $10.5 million overhaul.
Last July, city spokesman Ric Barrick told C-VILLE that a traffic signal was installed at Jefferson Park Avenue and Shamrock Road to moderate traffic flow during the bridge renovation. However, a recent e-mail from Barrick notes that "work to complete utility repairs on Shamrock Road will continue for the next few weeks, so using that route as an alternative is not advised until that work is completed." Barrick adds that "there will be no public detour routes established during this project." So, get to know the neighborhood, drivers!
Repairs to the bridge will increase its width to 67′, and add pedestrian and bike lanes. Pedestrians and bicyclists will still be able to cross the Norfolk Southern railroad lines using a temporary bridge at the site.
