Starting in fall 2022, the City of Roanoke will begin replacement of Wasena Bridge on Main Street. The bridge crosses Wasena Park, Wasena Skatepark, and the Roanoke River Greenway, and the construction project will impact all three areas. Current projections anticipate a two year timeline for bridge replacement. As Roanoke Parks and Recreation prepares for this project, we ask that citizens be mindful of detours, closures, and other access changes when visiting affected areas.
Roanoke River Greenway Detour
During construction, the Roanoke River Greenway will be closed from the parking lot adjoining the playground, along a 0.5 mile section to the intersection with Wiley Drive/Winona Avenue. During the closure, users will be detoured through the parking lot and then along Winchester Avenue, Main Street, and Winona Avenue, returning to the Greenway at Wiley Drive. Closure of this entire section of the greenway within Wasena Park will enable bridge construction to be completed more quickly.
Impacts to Wasena Skatepark
The Wasena Skatepark will be closed for the duration of construction on Wasena Bridge. Roanoke Parks and Recreation is currently determining the best location for the portable ramps to be relocated during this time and will share that information as it is available. The pump track located along the greenway will not be impacted and will remain open during bridge construction. For more information on future skatepark planning, please refer to the Skatepark Feasibility Study conducted in 2018 as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The findings of this study along with public input determined that Wasena Park would offer an excellent opportunity for the City and its partners to develop a new, sustainable, user-friendly skate park for the community.
Impacts to Wasena Park
Some areas of open space at Wasena Park, as well as parking areas will be closed to the public during construction. As more details are made available and for any updates, please stay tuned to our social channels for that information.
For further details on the Wasena Bridge Replacement project, please visit Plan Roanoke. If you have questions on the project’s impact with regard to Wasena Park, Wasena Skatepark, and/or the Roanoke River Greenway, please reach out by emailing playroanoke@roanokeva.gov or calling 540-853-2236.
