George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coleman Bridge
The Coleman Bridge as seen from Yorktown as it connects with Gloucester Point.
Coordinates	37°14′33″N 76°30′25″W / 37.2426°N 76.5070°W / 37.2426; -76.5070
Carries	4 lanes of US 17
Crosses	York River
Locale	Gloucester Point and Yorktown, Virginia
Official name	George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge
Maintained by	Virginia Department of Transportation
ID number	000000000019824 [1]
Characteristics
Design	Swing bridge, with two swinging spans
Material	High-strength steel
Total length	3,750 feet (1,140 m)
Longest span	450 feet (140 m)
Clearance below	60 feet (18 m)
History
Designer	Parsons Brinckerhoff
Opened	May 7, 1952; rebuilt in spring 1995
Statistics
Daily traffic	33,595 (2005)
Toll	$2.00 (northbound only) Smart Tag/E-ZPass

The George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge, often called the Coleman Bridge, is a special kind of bridge called a swing bridge. It crosses the York River in Virginia, connecting the towns of Yorktown and Gloucester Point. This bridge is super important because it's the only public way to cross the York River. It helps connect two parts of Virginia: the Peninsula and the Middle Peninsula.

Bridge History and Design

The Coleman Bridge was first built in 1952. Later, in 1995, it was rebuilt and made wider. This was done in a very clever way that kept the bridge closed for a much shorter time than usual. The bridge is now about 3,750 feet (1,143 meters) long. It carries four lanes of U.S. Route 17, a major highway.

Why the Bridge Swings Open

The Coleman Bridge is a "movable bridge" because it has two parts that can swing open. This is needed so that large ships can pass through. Upstream from the bridge, there are several important military bases, like the United States Navy's Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. Ships need to reach these bases, so the bridge opens up to let them by. At its highest point, the bridge is almost 90 feet (27 meters) above the river.

A Record-Breaking Bridge

This bridge is quite famous! It's the biggest double-swing-span bridge in the entire United States. It's also the second largest in the whole world. That's a pretty cool fact about a bridge in Virginia!

Who Was George P. Coleman?

The bridge is named after George Preston Coleman. He was in charge of the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation from 1913 to 1922. This department is now known as the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). So, the bridge honors an important person who helped build roads and transportation in Virginia.

Helping Peregrine Falcons

The Coleman Bridge is also a special place for peregrine falcons. These amazing birds are very fast and powerful. The bridge has been part of a program to help these falcons nest and grow their population in Virginia. It's a great example of how human structures can sometimes help wildlife.

Tolls and Crossing Information

The George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge charges a toll to cross it. This money helps pay for the bridge's expansion to four lanes. You only pay a toll when you are driving northbound (heading away from Yorktown).

Toll Rates for Vehicles

Here are the toll rates:

• Bicycles: 0¢ (free!)
• EZ-Pass (you need a special transponder): 85¢
• Motorcycles: 85¢
• Two-axle vehicles (like most cars): $2
• Three-axle vehicles: $3
• Four or more-axle vehicles: $4

Bicycle Lane

If you're riding a bicycle, you can cross the bridge for free! Just make sure to use the special bicycle lane. It's located on the right side of the far right travel lane, keeping cyclists safe.

Photos

• 

  Bridge swung open as seen from Yorktown side, Summer 2011

• 

  One of the two swing spans while fully turned (open for river traffic)

• 

  Opened bridge as seen from aboard a Navy ship

• 

  Bridge swinging closed as seen from down York River

• 

  Entering Bridge from Yorktown side

• 

  USS Elrod (FFG-55) about to pass through the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge on the York River, Summer 2011

Images for kids

• 

  USS Arleigh Burke traveling under the bridge.