THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 30, 1995 TAG: 9504290110
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The Jordan Bridge, which linked South Norfolk to Portsmouth over the South Branch of the Elizabeth River for 66 years, has fallen into disrepair.
City officials are torn between cold economic considerations - the cost of fixing or replacing the bridge could run in the millions - and the genuine affection that South Norfolk residents have for the aging span.
The sense of loss that residents have had since the bridge was closed to traffic last year will find expression at an informational meeting scheduled by Del. Lionell Spruill at 7 p.m. May 18 at Rena B. Wright Elementary School.
In the meantime, the bridge's past and uncertain future have inspired M.L. Byron of Chesapeake Avenue to poetry:
The Jordan Bridge
It's not a pretty thing,
This Jordan Bridge,
Except in the eye of
The beholder.
Dressed in somber black,
This Jordan Bridge,
Still loved mostly by
The beholden.
For generations now,
This Jordan Bridge,
Has been uniting friends
And families.
Succor to the working,
This Jordan Bridge,
A strong tie between the job
and the home.
Built to help the people,
This Jordan Bridge,
She is constrained by
the uncaring.
No retirement home for,
This Jordan Bridge,
With ties released and
families gone.
There's no replacement for
This Jordan Bridge,
A sad end to the dreams of
Days gone by.
- M.L. Byron by CNB