High Bridge to reopen Wednesday
Published 1:05 pm Friday, May 14, 2021
The High Bridge looks refreshed with the new decking applied.
Superintendent Jay Tucker, far right, is overseeing the High Bridge project and noted he was pleased with its progress.
Wood used for the redecking is stocked in a staging area at High Bridge Trail State Park.
Wood is taken from the stockpile to be prepped before delivery to the High Bridge.
Despite heavy signage indicating the area is closed, people have still entered the park and bridge, adding urgency to the work of Park Manager Daniel Jordan and his staff to keep people safe and clear of the bridge and park during the park’s closing.
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After a 4-month closure for redecking and preventive maintenance, High Bridge Trail State Park will officially reopen the bridge at dawn, Wednesday, May 19.
All 2,422 feet of the bridge’s surface decking, curbing (vertical safety fencing) and overlooks have been replaced. The completion of the project will reestablish the 31.2-mile continuous route from Burkeville to Pamplin, as well as reopen the trails in the Camp Paradise area leading down to the substructure of the bridge and the Appomattox River.
“We’re excited to return to business as usual just ahead of peak season,” said park manager Daniel Jordan. “We’ve got the Firefly Festival and a handful of races coming up — the bridge is a key factor in those events as well as the major draw for visitation.”
Guests are reminded to pay for parking at the start of their visit. Cash payments can be deposited into pay boxes in the parking areas; payments may also be made online by following the instructions posted on the pay boxes.
“Special thanks to the public for their patience and cooperation during the closure,” Jordan said. “We look forward to seeing you all at the bridge again soon.”
For information on the park and upcoming events, visit: www.virginiastateparks.gov/high-bridge-trail.
