York Town News
Town to keep Rice’s Bridge from becoming dumping ground
By Jennifer L. Saunders
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? That is what a local resident is asking about the accumulation of trash along the Route 1 bridge over the York River. When the bridge was replaced several years ago, space was added to allow recreational activities at and around the bridge. Passersby and area residents are now wondering why those who use the bridge are not taking their trash with them when they go. The town, meanwhile, has agreed to place a trash receptacle in the area in an effort to put an end to the littering.
Courtesy photo
YORK - It was just a couple of years ago that the project to replace the aging Rice's Bridge resulted in the creation of a new, safer structure with room for residents and visitors alike to enjoy access to the York River.
Recently, however, passersby have been noticing a problem. Photographs taken by one local resident, for example, detail trash that has been accumulating alongside the bridge for several weeks as people use the area to launch kayaks, access the river and fish.
Town Manager Rob Yandow visited the area of Route 1 approaching Rice's Bridge on Monday when the issue was brought to the town's attention.
Garbage has been building up - on the ground and along the fence - as those who take advantage of the recreational opportunities at the bridge are not taking their trash with them when they leave.
"I checked out the area and the trash was still there," he confirmed Monday afternoon. "I have asked the Parks Department to put a trash receptacle in the parking lot."
Rice's Bridge, which carries Route 1 across the York River, was replaced in 2003 and 2004. With the reconstruction of the bridge came sidewalks on either side of Route 1 and room for parking, out of the way of traffic, as well as a launching area for kayaks and small boats below the bridge.
