Bristol outlines plans to rebuild three aging bridges under state 'state of good repair' funding

City engineers and the state project manager outlined plans to replace or rehabilitate three bridges in Bristol using State of Good Repair funds.

Jeremy Schlussell, project manager on the contracts, said the projects — a full replacement on Goodson Street over Beaver Creek, a replacement of the Oak Street span over the Norfolk Southern rail line, and a partial superstructure replacement on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard — are 100% funded through the Commonwealth program but have been delayed by coordination with BVU utilities, permitting (including TVA and railroad approvals), inflationary cost increases and COVID interruptions.

"These are 100% funded projects...the program is not to be used to accommodate increased traffic or pedestrian capacities," Schlussell told council, describing the scope as preservation, reconstruction or replacement "in kind." He said Goodson’s existing sidewalks are closed and the structure is sitting on very old masonry foundations; the Oak Street bridge remains closed since about 2019 because the structure is severely cracked; and the MLK northbound span will be replaced while retaining existing foundations where possible to limit in‑stream work.

Schedule and constraints: staff said bids are expected to be advertised this fall with proposals due in late September or early October and a targeted award in December. Utilities work by BVU must be completed before work at Goodson can begin; the MLK project is likely to go first because it is the most straightforward and will reduce concurrent detour impacts. Oak Street requires railroad permitting from Norfolk Southern, which will control when that replacement can proceed.

Council members pressed on cost drivers — excavation and foundation work — and the share of bridges in poor or cusp condition in the city. Staff said Bristol has about 36 structures, roughly 85% rated good or fair, with several in cusp or poor condition that are prioritized next.

Next steps: staff will continue permitting and coordination, prepare final bid documents and pursue utility relocations so the projects can move to advertisement and contract award this year.