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South Norfolk Jordan Bridge

Opened in 1928, the previous Jordan Bridge was the oldest drawbridge in Virginia. It closed for repairs in 1994, reopened late in December 1995, then closed permanently in 2008 because of safety concerns.

5,375
Feet Long
145
Foot High Clearance
3
Awards for Excellence and Environment

Overview

In January 2009, the Norfolk City Council unanimously approved plans for a new, privately-owned bridge. The new 5,375-foot long bridge is a two-lane, fixed-span, high-rise toll bridge over the Elizabeth River. This modern, concrete bridge will provide improved navigational clearances of 145 feet high and 270 feet wide.

The modern South Norfolk Jordan Bridge opened to traffic late 2012.

Technical Highlights

This project includes:

  • 5,375-foot long bridge
  • 150-foot typical spans that were constructed using span by span segmental construction techniques with an underslung erection truss
  • 385-foot main span and adjacent 190-foot back spans that were constructed by the balanced cantilever segmental construction technique utilizing a floating crane for segment erection
  • 35 precast segmental spans supported on precast segmental columns and cast-in-place footings
  • 2 mass concrete fender rings supported on 66-inch prestressed concrete cylinder piles

RECOGNITION

  • 2013 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA): Globe Award for Bridges >$10 million
  • 2013 ARTBA PRIDE Award
  • 2014 International Bridge Conference Gustav Lindenthal Medal (recognizing an outstanding structure that is also aesthetically and environmentally pleasing).