AGENDA DATE: 7/3/2019
TITLE:
Title
Naming of the Bridge Carrying Berkmar Drive Over the South Fork of the Rivanna River as the Rio Mills Bridge
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board to name the bridge carrying Berkmar Drive over the South Fork of the Rivanna River as the Rio Mills Bridge
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Graham, Benish, Maliszewski
PRESENTER (S): Margaret Maliszewski
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Construction of the bridge carrying Berkmar Drive over the South Fork of the Rivanna River was completed, and the road opened, in 2017. In discussions with County staff on possible place-making strategies for the Rio/29 Small Area Plan area, the Albemarle County Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) recommended that names highlighting local history should be adopted for sites and objects throughout the area, including the bridge. The HPC researched the history of the area and presented findings in a display entitled “Rio Mills and Cartersburg” in the County Office Building in May, 2018 (Attachment A). At its February 25, 2019 meeting, the HPC unanimously voted to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that the name “Rio Mills Bridge” be adopted for the bridge carrying Berkmar Drive over the Rivanna River. On February 25, 2019 Supervisor Mallek proposed that the Board of Supervisors adopt such a resolution.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment Prioritize: plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs
DISCUSSION: The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides information on the standard process for naming bridges and highways (Attachment B). The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) names the facilities at the request of a local jurisdiction; the locality must agree to bear the costs of providing, erecting, and maintaining the signs. County staff has discussed the proposed bridge naming via email with Joel DeNunzio, VDOT Residency Administrator, and other VDOT staff, who posed no objection to the name. The process requires a resolution (Attachment C) from the County requesting the CTB to name the bridge. VDOT’s residency Administrator forwards the approved resolution to the CTB for approval.
BUDGET IMPACT: Two bridge name signs at a total cost of $1500 would be needed. A supplemental informational plaque for historic interpretation, costing approximately $750, could be added. (These costs include ordering, delivery, labor, materials, etc.) Facilities and Environmental Services Department funding would cover these costs. All post-installation maintenance would be the County’s responsibility.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt the bridge naming resolution provided as Attachment C.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: History of the Rio Mills and Cartersburg Area
Attachment B: VDOT information on bridge naming process
Attachment C: Resolution