By Danielle Pierce 

VCU Health, in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University, the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), cut the ribbon on a new pedestrian bridge today.  

“The opening of this bridge reflects our commitment to prioritizing safety for everyone who moves through our campuses,” said Michael Rao, president of Virginia Commonwealth University. “Thousands of people come to VCU and VCU Health every day. Their safety is primary, and this investment is one way we are providing safe, welcoming environments for the communities we serve.” 

The new bridge creates a more secure and accessible connection from VCU’s I‑Deck parking garage over I‑95 to Duval Street. Designed to enhance mobility and reduce pedestrian‑vehicle conflict points, the bridge serves as an important upgrade to walkability around the downtown campus for VCU Health and VCU’s health sciences programs. 

“The new pedestrian bridge is a much-needed improvement to our continually growing downtown campus so that our team members can safely get where they need to be,” said Marlon Levy, M.D., MBA, senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health. “VCU Health is proud to partner with VCU, the City of Richmond and VDOT to ensure our environment is safe for pedestrians and drivers at every turn.” 

Marlon Levy, M.D., MBA, senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health. (Dean Hoffmeyer, VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Opened to the public on Feb. 20, the bridge represents a key milestone in ongoing efforts by the VCU Health, VCU, the City of Richmond and VDOT to enhance pedestrian visibility and protections citywide.  

Last month, the City of Richmond launched an accelerated Vision Zero plan in response to multiple pedestrian fatalities. Vision Zero is the city’s strategy to reduce all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. 

“We are committed to building a city where every resident and visitor can walk safely, and without fear,” said Danny Avula, mayor of the City of Richmond. “I’m proud to partner with Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU Health and VDOT on initiatives that strengthen walkability and enhance safety in and around our city. Investments like the new pedestrian bridge reflect our shared commitment to creating infrastructure that protects people, connects neighborhoods, and supports a healthier, more vibrant Richmond for generations to come.” 

The new bridge creates a more secure and accessible connection from VCU’s I‑Deck parking garage over I‑95 to Duval Street. The bridge represents a key milestone in ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian visibility and protections citywide. (Dean Hoffmeyer, VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

This latest VCU Health project marks the newest infrastructure improvement aimed at making roadways safer for all travelers near VCU and VCU Health facilities. Additionally, VCU Police Department continues to keep safe travel top of mind in our community through education, engagement and enforcement, including an ongoing traffic enforcement initiative called Operation Safer Streets. 

"Our officers are working hard to ensure community members understand the importance of eliminating distractions and slowing down when traveling through our campuses,” said Clarence T. Hunter Jr., chief of VCU Police. “We welcome this new pedestrian bridge, as it represents a safer way for our community members to travel to and from their destination.” 

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