Description
The Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge in Richmond, Virginiacarries U.S. Route 1and U.S. Route 301across the James Riverat the Fall Line.
The city acquired the original bridge from Richmond Bridge Corp in 1933, and it was named the James River Bridge but was later renamed for the Confederate general ]However, in light of the George Floyd protestsin 2020, the Richmond City Council began the process of reverting its name to the James River Bridge. It was originally constructed as a four lane toll facility and opened in 1934. In the 1980s, a replacement structure was built including a substantial realignment of the approach roadways at the south end. Work was completed in 1989. It is toll-free and includes 3 lanes in either direction. An on-ramp and an off-ramp for South 2nd Street connects to the bridge over the north shore of the James River. The Virginia War Memorial is located adjacent to its northern end.