By Heather Bell
RADFORD – Work will likely begin this spring on the refurbishment of the University Drive Bridge that spans the train tracks from East Main Street near the campus of Radford University after the Radford City Council Monday awarded the construction bid to Fairfield Echols for $1,414,301.
The City of Radford will provide $725,919 of the funding from the city’s Virginia Department of Transportation Urban Highway Management Fund reserves, and Radford University will fund the remaining $775,160.
Radford City Manager David Ridpath said the bridge is currently safe; and the project is designed to keep it that way and to further its lifespan.
“There are no safety-related issues with the bridge at this time, but we want to make sure we have this bridge for years and years to come,” said Ridpath.
“This should be a really nice project that includes some nice aesthetic improvements too,” said Radford Mayor David Horton.
Ridpath said work should begin in the spring and be underway in earnest by early summer.
Also on Monday, the city council voted to rezone property in the vicinity of Tyler and Auburn avenues for the Gibsondale townhouse project. The council also voted in favor of vacating a portion of a city right-of-way on Harvey Street for a home expansion project while retaining a portion of the right-of-way to allow neighborhood residents access to the area.
An end-of-the-year employee bonus was also approved. Full-time employees will be given a $1,000 bonus; part-time employees will be given $250; full time public safety employees will be given $3,000; and part-time public safety employees will be given a prorated amount based on hours worked.
Monday was interim City Council Member Dr. Richard Harshberger’s first meeting back since being appointed to serve on the council to fill the vacancy left by former council member Onassis Burress. Harshberger previously served on city council and as vice mayor.
The next city council meeting is set for Monday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
