Albemarle moving ahead with conversion of Free Bridge Lane to a pedestrian promenade

Nearly two years after the concept was introduced to members of the Pantops Community Advisory Committee, Albemarle County will close Free Bridge Lane to vehicular traffic this Friday for a one-year pilot program. 

“Located along the Rivanna River between Darden Towe Park and Route 250, the new promenade will allow pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the area without vehicle traffic,” reads an information release sent out this afternoon. 

During the one year pilot, Albemarle staff will study how people are using the space to inform what amenities might be needed if the pilot is extended. 

“We encourage community members to visit the promenade to stroll, bike, and enjoy nature,” the release concludes.

The idea stems from the Pantops Master Plan, a document last updated in 2019. Members of the community sought more places for walking and biking and this concept was one of several ideas. 

“While traffic congestion along Route 250 and Route 20 is a regional challenge, the lack of bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit infrastructure currently inhibits a safe commute for many residents,” reads page 17 of the plan.

The idea is further fleshed out on in a section called Activating the Rivanna River on page 53.

“Free Bridge Lane should be reimagined as a ‘green street’ that integrates elements of stormwater management into the street design to reduce runoff, while also enhancing facilities for bicycle and pedestrian travel along its length,” the document reads.

The plan indicated that this idea would be a “catalyst” project meaning it would be one of the first elements explored by staff as they sought to implement the plan. The plan called for the roadway to be converted into a one-way southbound street.

The pandemic slowed down implementation but the Pantops CAC were presented with options on how to proceed at their first meeting of 2023. The car-free promenade was option 1 and option 2 was a multi-modal boulevard. Supervisors chose the first option in March 2023.

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the October 22, 2024 edition of the newsletter. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.