The city had decided early on that they wanted a segmental bridge in order to have longer spans, more curves on the structure, and an aesthetic quality that would fit the bridge into the landscape.
One of the factors that was considered in the design phase of the project was to create more space between the pier columns in order to provide unobstructed views of the Chesapeake Bay and Lynnhaven River.The aesthetic lighting features served as the most appropriate finishing touch for the completion of the 1,575-ft dual-span structure which the surrounding community wanted to serve as a signature bridge—a gateway to Virginia Beach.
The new segmental concrete bridge carries U.S. 60/Shore Drive traffic over the Lynnhaven Inlet and replaces the original John A. Lesner Bridge, which was classified as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete due to its location in a highly corrosive coastal environment in addition to the population growth experienced in coastal Virginia.
“We could not afford to have a bridge that’s been there for almost 50 years be subject to potential weight restrictions,” Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E., construction bureau manager with the Virginia Beach Department of Public Works, told Roads & Bridges.
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