There could be a new look between the Belmont section of the city and downtown. A contest was held to pick a new design for the Belmont Bridge.
The public has spoken and a jury has deliberated. The opinion was unanimous, and it looks like everyone thinks the best plan for this bridge is to remove it altogether.
The design competition - called Project Gait-Way - was created when a group of neighbors were not satisfied with the plans presented to council by professional engineers.
After submissions from community members, University of Virginia professors, and aspiring architects, a design called "Belmont Unabridged" took the top prize. That proposes completely taking out the bridge, and offers up other means of connecting Belmont with downtown.
Charlottesville City Councilor Dave Norris said, "I think I would be a tremendous missed opportunity if we don't look at the designs that came forward, the ideas that came forward and figure out you know are there pieces of the different design proposals that we can incorporate."
But none of this means the bridge is set to be demolished. Norris says wiping out the bridge is a significant departure from what council has been thinking about doing. He says working with the railroad will be challenging, and admits some in city hall probably disagree with taking a serious look at these designs.
The budget for redesign and reconstruction stands at about $14.5 million. There is no definitive timeline, but Norris says the sooner council has a plan, the better.
