Bristol Development News
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City of Bristol, VA
Published: Jun 24, 2026
Three Major Bridge Replacement Projects Approved: Goodson St, Oak St, and MLK Jr. Blvd
The city was awarded three State of Good Repair bridge projects: replacement of the Goodson Street bridge over Beaver Creek, replacement of the Oak Street bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway, and partial superstructure replacement/rehabilitation of the MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge over Beaver Creek. The Goodson Street bridge, built in the early 1920s on older foundations, is structurally deficient, with sidewalks closed; its replacement will maintain the existing opening to avoid impacting Beaver Creek flooding and will include architectural features. The Oak Street bridge, closed since 2019 and built in the 1920s, is cracked in half and will be replaced with a simple span bridge, accommodating two lanes of traffic and a sidewalk, with replicated historical railing details. The MLK Jr. Boulevard bridge, built in 1930 and expanded in the 1970s, will have its northbound side replaced, narrowed slightly, with new superstructure on existing foundations, and will include a mill overlay and a turn lane to the train station. Challenges include utility relocation, carse terrain at Goodson Street, steep ravines at Oak Street, and coordination with BVU utilities and Norfolk Southern Railroad. Bids are anticipated in Fall 2026, with awards in December 2026, and MLK Jr. Boulevard project to begin first.
City Council Approves 3.5% Employee Pay Raise Effective July 1st
The city council discussed the potential for a 3.5% pay increase for city employees, aligning with the state budget, which includes a 3% increase for state-funded positions and constitutional offices effective August 1st. The city had initially budgeted a 2% increase effective July 1st. To accommodate the higher increase and avoid processing two separate raises, staff proposed funding the full 3.5% increase effective July 1st, at a cost of $337,500. This would be funded through existing budget movements, including $20,000 from contingency, $50,000 by delaying the addition of two new positions (Code Compliance and IT) until October 1st, an estimated $150,000 savings from inmate housing, and the remainder from deferred capital projects. Council directed staff to proceed with the 3.5% increase effective July 1st, pending a formal budget amendment on July 14th.
WNL Construction Paving Awarded Contract for Asphalt, Concrete, and Patching Material
The council awarded a bid for asphalt, concrete, and patching material to WNL Construction Paving of Abingdon, Virginia. The invitation for bid was issued on May 20th, 2026, and closed on June 11th, 2026. Only one sealed bid was received. Staff recommended authorizing the city manager to enter into the contract with the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.
City Council withholds $50,000 Grant Payment to Birthplace of Country Music Amidst Unpaid Admissions Tax Concerns
The council discussed the status of a $50,000 appropriation to Birthplace of Country Music, Inc. (BCM) for fiscal year 2026, which is set to expire on June 30th. Councilman Farnum raised concerns that BCM has not paid its admissions tax to the city. The City Attorney advised that tax liabilities are private but recommended that any grant funding be contingent on BCM fulfilling all its obligations, including the admissions tax. The council debated whether to withhold the payment. Ultimately, Councilwoman Littleton moved to withhold the payment and hold the funds in the contingency fund, pending further discussions and action at a future council meeting. This motion passed.
City Council Considers Stricter Regulations for Recreational Substance Retail
The council held a joint public hearing for updates to Chapter 50 of the city code concerning recreational substance retail. The proposed ordinance defines recreational substance retail and sets specific restrictions. No new recreational substance retail establishments may be located within 1,000 feet of another such establishment, or within 1,000 feet of any public library, public or private school, public park, public playground, or family daycare home. These uses are restricted to the B3 general business district. Currently, there are approximately 37 such stores in Bristol, Virginia. The ordinance aims to prevent concentration and limit proximity to areas frequented by individuals under 21. The planning commission recommended considering a special use permit process for any new establishments. The city planner, Caleb Conlin, was recognized for his work on the ordinance.
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City of Bristol, VA
City of Bristol, VA
City of Bristol, VA
City of Bristol, VA
City of Bristol, VA
City of Bristol, VA
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