The original “Gabrielson Bridge” crossing of Difficult Run between Flowerstone Street and Hunter Valley Road was constructed in the late 1940s as an extension of Hunter Valley Road. In 2016, residents expressed concerns about the condition of the bridge to the Fairfax County Building Official. Building Official staff inspected the structure and found it required significant repairs to comply with current code requirements. An Unsafe Structure Notice was issued, and the bridge was closed to the public. In July 2018, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services staff hired a contractor to remove the bridge. Work was completed in in September 2018.
Due to the crossing’s proximity to Gabrielson Gardens Park, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) was commissioned to develop a concept design study for a possible replacement bridge. FCPA staff contracted with Bowman Consultants to complete the study in December 2018, with an anticipated 90-day duration.
December 13, 2018 Presentation
December 13, 2018 Meeting Summary
Staff and Bowman Consulting completed the concept design study in March 2019. A public information meeting was held on April 1, 2019, at Navy Elementary School, 3500 West Ox Road, to update the public on the results of the study. Staff reported that their initial attempts to acquire the necessary land had been positive, and funding had been secured for construction. The following presentation was given:
Bowman Consulting completed the design and permitting for the bridge replacement in December 2019. Staff began advertising this project for bidding to prospective contractors on April 20, 2020. Bids were opened on May 20, 2020, and an apparent low bidder was identified. Staff is currently in the process of conducting reference checks and collecting bond and insurance information. Contracting work for the project is expected to be completed by July 2020 with construction anticipated for late summer through early fall of 2020.
Gabrielson Gardens Bridge Replacement Bid Results
9437-MSP-001-1 - Gabrielson Gardens Bridge
Questions regarding the project can be directed to Parkmail at Parkmail@fairfaxcouny.gov.