The City of Richmond today announced that the Mayo Bridge Structural Analysis and Feasibility Study will begin on Monday, August 2. This three phase, 16 month study is designed to assess the condition of the Mayo Bridge and the Manchester Canal Bridge to determine whether either structure are to be rehabilitated or replaced. The federally funded study will cost approximately $1 million.

From the press release:

Phase I will last five months and will involve a detailed physical inspection of the bridges, including their undersides, sidewalks, light poles, utilities, roadway geometrics, railings and deck features. An in-depth bridge inspection (including underwater inspection) and testing, load rating and structural assessment, hydraulics and hydrology study and cultural resources investigation for both structures will be completed during this phase as well.

Phase II will last three months and will determine the feasibility of the Phase I results. This overview will take place from December 2010 to March 2011.

The final phase is a culmination of the first two phases. During this period, April 2011 to December 2011, the resulting alternative will be fine-tuned.

Both the Mayo Bridge and Manchester Canal Bridge will remain open throughout all project phases. However, there will be the need for occasional lane closures. All lane closures will be coordinated in advance with notice being provided to area businesses and to the approximately 17,000 motorists who travel along the bridges daily.

For more information, please visit the project webpage on the DPW website at http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/projectMayoBridge.aspx. Design also is underway for an interactive project website.