Demo of Old Route 7 Bridge Over Goose Creek Underway

Work began this week on the removal of the span over Goose Creek that formerly guided Route 7 traffic over the creek.

The county had considered rehabilitating the bridge in the past, and at one point had federal matching funds to do so, but action was not taken before those funds expired at the end of 2010. Recent estimates showed various scenarios for rehabbing the bridge would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars – if not more than $1 million – more than removing it.

It had provided access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, but there are other access points to the trail.

Shirley Contracting Company won contract for removal with its $648,500 bid.

The bridge, which is near the Goose Creek Golf Club, currently can be seen from Route 7 just east of River Creek Parkway.