Roanoke River Greenway, Tinker Creek Connection

Virginia’s Roanoke Valley is home to more than 30 miles of greenways which meander through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and Branch Civil is proud to have completed work on one of the system’s most scenic sections.

Branch Civil served as General Contractor for the greenway connector that links the Roanoke River Greenway to the Tinker Creek Greenway. The project involved the construction of 4,800 feet of recreational trail and a 660-foot pedestrian bridge over the Roanoke River.

Construction of the bridge, which has become a signature landmark on the Tinker Creek Connection, presented a host of unusual challenges. Mother Nature presented the threats of high wind and water, while the remoteness of the region meant limited access routes for workers.

Bridge work consisted of eight prefabricated sections, including two 120-foot spans across the river. Each span weighed approximately 700,000 pounds, which required the use of a 365-ton hydraulic crane.

Despite issues with permits involving the transportation of the sections from the Alabama fabrication plant and arrival delays, all sections were erected in a nearly seamless operation.

The pedestrian bridge offers hikers and bicyclists commanding views from high above the Roanoke River and its confluence with Tinker Creek.