The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-06-07
Voice Of the People
The Need of n New Bridge.

Editor of The Times Dispatch.
sir'-Sihle your article appeared I'M
your issue of June 5th. quoting from
my letter Of June 18th. in regard to
the Free Bridge. l have heard the
matter discussed by the citizens gen
orally but so far have seen no definite
answer TO my questions other than n
general statement that the bridge was
safe. | am glad to hear. however, that
immediate action VIII be taken by the
councils Of the cities of Richmond and
Manchester With view OF appropriat-
ing S115,o00 for the repairing OF the
several spanS of the bridge. which.
though safe co, need 10 be repaired
Inc suggestion as TO this appropria-
ton leads me to ask u few more
questioES:
First-If 1T Will cost s115,ooo to
repair the FIVE or more spans in pucs-
ton, with the piers already construct
cd, at this rate what would be re-
duired to Greet a new bridge on the
present piers?
Second---As | am advised. the first,
are. sufficient to carry almost any
weight that could reasonably be put
upon them. and the bridge is practi-
cally entirely within the limits OF the
the city OF Manchester be called upon
to contribute anything towards re-
pairing. the bridge?
Third-After this bridge is thor
spans stronger, even at the expendi.
ture of this large sum for repairs, win
the capacity of the bridge be ade-
quate for the traffic?
L would respectfully suggest, fol-
lowing up your editorial in your issue
of this date, that what we need is an
up-to date, kroad-gauge bridge be-.
OF intercOmmunication between Rich
mond and Manchester Il; absolutely
necessary In my Judgment before the
question Of consolidation Of the two
cities can be seriously considered At
least three bridges connecting the two
| cities will he necessary before the
bridge facilities will be adequate to
| meet the needs of the situation and
enable business men to conduct their
business between the two cities on an
| economical basis
The present site Of Mayo's Bridge IS
bridge such as the two cities should
| have connecting them at that point,
HUT street car traffic over bridge
located at this point would be. seri-
Street could be wldaned. Mayo's
| Bridge Is owned by individuals or II
corporation. and ! the same is patron
i lied as Il toll bridge. the owners must
i Whether it would be wise to purchase
4 the present Mayo's Bridge for site
for the new bridge and to incur the
additional expense Of widening Four
\ mined after careful consideration by
i those authorized to act in the prem-
4 Uses, but t is u fact which practically
i all business men will admit that this
lis the logical location for a new up
i to-date bridge,
i The present Free Bridge should be
7Ircpaired and kept intact for the pur-
poses for which 1t was originally con-
i structed--for all traffic other than
.|street cars--the bridge being entirely
& too narrow for two car tracks and fol
4 the handling of teams.
u Another lridge should beSerected al
scme point between the cities of Rich
a mond and Manchester, from q point or
!, the south bank of the river from {;
bluff at the end of Cowardin Avenue
across Belle Isle to some point neal
the extension of Laurel Street. Whetht
IN this should be erected by the stree
car company and the cities Jointly is
n matter TO be determined, but i
seems to mo that q bridge at TIL:
! point and also one at or near tho
present site of Mayo's Bridge. should
, bo built and used jointly by the stree
! Gar company and the city.
!. Hoping tnat this matterwlll be agi
4 tated through the columns of Sou)
! valued paper until something Is done
lc relieve the present congestion OIL
3 Tree Bridge, am,
Yours a 'So'!yrp i. sAphER.
Richmond, Va. June 8, 1908,
n +. - q