Boulevard Bridge

The Boulevard Bridge is a steel and concrete road bridge that crosses the James River in Richmond, linking the northern and southern parts of the city. The structure carries both vehicles and pedestrians between these sections and serves as an important connection in the city's transportation network.

The bridge was built in 1925 to provide access to the developing Westover Hills neighborhood in South Richmond. This construction was a turning point that allowed the city to expand southward and connect previously isolated areas.

Local residents call this bridge the Nickel Bridge, a name that comes from the original five-cent toll charged in the early 1900s. This nickname remains part of everyday conversation and shows how the place's past is woven into how people think about it.

Both vehicles and pedestrians can use the bridge, with access available throughout the day during regular operating hours. Expect heavier traffic during rush hours in the morning and evening, so crossing at other times of day tends to be smoother.

Originally, the toll booth sat at the center of the bridge until it was moved in the 1960s. This change greatly improved traffic flow and fundamentally altered how people experienced crossing the river.