Photos: Richmond's 'Nickel Bridge' marks 100th birthday, but the original toll was actually 10 cents
Richmond is known for its unique events, and Saturday brought another as the city threw a birthday party for a bridge.
The Boulevard Bridge, which connects Westover Hills with the Maymont neighborhood, turned a century old, a milestone that was marked with bands, food trucks and a new plaque that was unveiled on the bridge during the event.
According to a history of the bridge assembled by the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association, the bridge's deck has been refurbished several times over the years, most recently in 1993. That repair was estimated to preserve the bridge for another 25-30 years.
When it opened, the bridge's toll was 10 cents, or $10 for unlimited crossings for a full year. Westover Hills residents were allowed to use it for free.
In 1957, the State Corporation Commission, in response to citizen complaints, ruled that the bridge was too profitable. It reduced the fare from 10 cents to 5, leading to the bridge's enduring nickname, the "Nickel Bridge."
In 1969, the bridge was sold to the Richmond Metropolitan Authority, which has been in charge of fare increases since.
For many years, the toll collectors were part of the fabric of society. The United Press International, a wire service, ran a story in 1988 about George B. Stafford, who handed out candy to children when their parents paid the toll.
At the time of the story, Stafford, age 76, was asked to discontinue the practice by the RMA.
Article from Sep 28, 1988 Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia)
When it opened, the Boulevard Bridge was advertised to motorists north of Richmond as a "shortcut" to Petersburg that avoided the city's downtown traffic.
Now, it largely serves commuter traffic.
More photos from the birthday celebration:
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
