The 12.6-acre Elizabeth River Park in Chesapeake, Virginia, has been dramatically revitalized from a neglected site into a lively community space, thanks to the privately funded reconstruction of the Jordan Bridge spearheaded by United Bridge Partners (UBP). This project showcases how private investment can significantly enhance public infrastructure and benefit the surrounding community. It underscores the potential of private funding to ease municipal budget pressures while upgrading public assets.
Originally opened in 1928, Virginia’s oldest drawbridge, the Jordan Bridge, had become increasingly outdated and problematic by 2008. The City of Chesapeake faced a tough decision: repair, replace, or decommission the bridge. A full replacement, estimated at more than $200 million for a new bridge, was far beyond the $17 million available for repairs. Due to safety concerns and financial limitations, the Chesapeake City Council chose to decommission the Jordan Bridge in October 20081.
In December 2008, UBP proposed a private financing plan to replace the Jordan Bridge2. They removed the old bridge for $3 million, lifting a significant financial burden from Chesapeake and Portsmouth. They then built the new South Norfolk Jordan Bridge for $143 million. The original bridge’s at-grade roadway had divided what is now Elizabeth River Park, hindering its development3. By elevating the roadway with the new bridge design, UBP improved traffic conditions and freed up land for public use. This private investment enabled the City of Chesapeake to allocate $4.3 million to renovate and expand the park.
Enhancements and Community Benefits
With the $4.3 million investment, Elizabeth River Park has been transformed into a bustling community hub. The park now boasts modern amenities such as a Snack Shack with food and bait, updated restrooms, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and ample paved parking. A key feature is the walking path that connects directly to the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge (SNJB), linking Chesapeake and Portsmouth and improving intercity connectivity. Additionally, the park now includes a free public boat ramp, docking facilities, a certified fish weigh station, and a fish cleaning station.
Creating Lasting Impact
This successful collaboration illustrates how private investments can ease public financial strains and allow cities to reallocate resources towards enhancing local amenities. By financing the removal of the outdated Jordan Bridge and constructing the new South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, UBP not only resolved pressing transportation issues but also provided the City of Chesapeake with the means to invest in the park’s redevelopment.
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