Repaired river walkway could reopen this week

A popular walkway over the James River from Brown's Island, closed more than a month ago because of safety concerns, should reopen this week.

Workers began replacing the walkway's weathered decking boards May 7, said Jim Watkins, deputy director of Venture Richmond, a downtown booster group that manages Brown's Island and the walkway.

The boards had cracked and twisted to the point where they posed a potential tripping hazard. They are being replaced for about $8,500 in city money, Watkins said.

The walkway juts south from Brown's Island about 60 yards into the James, below the new American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar.

It is one of the most scenic spots in Richmond, offering views of the James, its rapids, birds and paddlers.

Visitors began complaining when they found the walkway closed with no sign of explanation.

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Take photo and video tours of Brown's Island.

The walkway also features interpretive signs telling the story of April 1865, when Confederate soldiers fled south across the James, leaving Richmond in flames.

"It's really a great exhibit. . . . People love it down there," Watkins said.