28-05-2025
Wasena Bridge replacement project could take longer than expected after apparent setback
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – According to Roanoke City officials, Hurricane Helene damaged a temporary work bridge on the Wasena Bridge replacement project, which put construction behind schedule, but it's unknown by how much.
For more than a year now, the bridge's closure has affected people's commute patterns, increased traffic on side roads, and closed portions of the Roanoke River Greenway, decreasing foot traffic. That has hurt adjacent businesses like The Green Goat restaurant.
'It's considerably off, the business,' owner Bruce Todaro said. 'If no one is walking on the greenway anymore and no one's walking by the restaurant, the area is just not as well-used as it used to be.'
Todaro said he knows better times will come and remains positive.
Wasena Bridge project enters new phase
'I know everybody's working hard on the bridge, and it's not necessarily their fault,' he said. 'To my knowledge, the guys are out there every day, and I see them working, I see them working on weekends and into the evening, but hopefully everything comes together in the end, and everybody comes out and supports us.'
However, not all businesses in the area have seen an impact by the bridge's closure. Proud Pops barber Shop is one of them.
'I'm a schedule by appointment barber,' Steven Webb, a barber and the owner of the shop said. 'Business hasn't changed a lot for me, but I know for other businesses it might not be the same.'
Both Todaro and Wilks are thankful for the community support they do get.
'We appreciate everybody who does come out, that's for sure,' Todaro said. 'If anybody is still wondering what's going on, we're open seven days a week with regular hours of operation, and whenever you can think of us, come on out and support us.'
'I'm very thankful and very blessed to be in this area,' Wilks said. 'It's a great community and everybody here sticks together, and I think that's what's still keeping everybody thriving.'
Nobody from Roanoke city was available for comment on the project.
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