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Boulevard Bridge Nickel Bridge

4.4

·52 reviews·Richmond, United States

The Boulevard Bridge, aka Nickel Bridge, offers scenic river views and free pedestrian/bike access, connecting North and South Richmond with a small v...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great light

CrowdLow

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Boulevard Bridge Nickel Bridge

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The Boulevard Bridge, aka Nickel Bridge, offers scenic river views and free pedestrian/bike access, connecting North and South Richmond with a small vehicle toll.

4.4

(52 reviews)

"The prettiest bridge in RVA to drive over. The walk across was great too once I figured out how to get on it!"

TIP

🚗 Vehicle Toll Info

Pay 35 cents or use EZPass. Toll attendant available for cash bills.

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian & Bike Access

Free to cross on foot or by bike. Be mindful of narrow pathways.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 52 reviews

Address

2000 Pump House Dr, Richmond, VA 23221, USA

Website

rmtaonline.org

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Drive

Across the James River

Enjoy picturesque views of the river and surrounding areas as you drive or cycle across this iconic Richmond landmark.

Pedestrian & Bike Path

Alongside the roadway

A unique pathway offers a great spot for a walk or run with river vistas, though it can be narrow.

Underwater Pipeline Trail

Above the bridge, towards the historic train bridge

Explore an unusual trail along an underwater pipeline for a different perspective of the river.

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Toll & Access

The Boulevard Bridge, affectionately known as the Nickel Bridge, charges a modest toll for vehicles (35 cents or EZPass) but is free for pedestrians and cyclists. Be aware that the pathway can be narrow, so consider pedestrian traffic when cycling.

Best Times for Solitude

For a more peaceful experience, visit during school hours when crowds are thinner. Be mindful of weather conditions, as the pathway can ice over in winter.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, great light

Crowd

Low

When

Evenings

Why

Magical city views

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Heard of the Nickel Bridge? This bridge in the City of Richmond connects the North and South of the city between Westover Hills and the Carillon/Maymont/Byrd Park areas. All four of these neighborhoods are extremely beautiful, with renovated homes in Westover Hills climbing into the $900k + territory and homes in Byrd Park range anywhere from $500k-$1 million plus range. Almost all of them have...

@garymartinrva

36 likes • 698 views

🚗 Vehicle Toll Info

Pay 35 cents or use EZPass. Toll attendant available for cash bills.

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian & Bike Access

Free to cross on foot or by bike. Be mindful of narrow pathways.

This has been one of my favorite bridges to run on. The Nickel bridge in Richmond,VA. #running #Richmond #runnersofitiktok

@rvarunningman

18 likes • 918 views

Looking for a fun way to explore the river and not have to worry about constantly bumping your shins and knees on the rocks? An underwater, cement pipeline trail runs conveniently above the Nickel Bridge (Boulevard Toll Bridge) and takes you all the way up toward the historic train bridge! To access the pipeline, you can park above the bridge and take an adventure down the Buttermilk Trail to the ...

rvajamesriverfishreport

253 likes • 6.9K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Record videos day or night; pathway can ice up in winter.

🐻 Wildlife Encounters

Be cautious of wildlife, including bears, especially during certain seasons.

Hey, I think this is a medium-big deal: The Department of Public Works is, once again, asking for your feedback on the proposed bike lane on Westover Hills Boulevard south of the Nickel Bridge. Back in February, I wrote about DPW’s original survey, suggesting that folks request physically protected bike lanes as part of the project. In this new survey, DPW notes that they “received significant fee...

rvanews

3 likes • 214 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Vehicle Toll Info

Pay 35 cents or use EZPass. Toll attendant available for cash bills.

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian & Bike Access

Free to cross on foot or by bike. Be mindful of narrow pathways.

📸 Photo Opportunities

Record videos day or night; pathway can ice up in winter.

🐻 Wildlife Encounters

Be cautious of wildlife, including bears, especially during certain seasons.

🚴‍♀️ Bike Lane Proposals

Feedback is being sought for proposed bike lanes on Westover Hills Blvd.

What Travellers Say

4.4

(52 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Boulevard Bridge (Nickel Bridge) for its scenic beauty and affordability, especially for pedestrians and cyclists who cross for free. The unique underwater pipeline trail and the picturesque drive are highlights. However, some find the pedestrian path narrow, and caution is advised regarding traffic safety and potential wildlife encounters.

"35¢ change or EZPass, to cross by car, free on foot or bike. Toll attendant present for full service if you only have bills, max $20. Known as the Nickle Bridge because the original toll was 5¢, the official name is the Boulevard Toll Bridge and it connects North and South Richmond. When built, those living on the South side were given passes so they didn't have to pay the toll and were instead waived through by the toll attendant."

Ronda Bernstein

"Wonderful pathway to record a video day or night, pathway will ice up and freeze during very cold Winters."

Arthur A Johnson

"The prettiest bridge in RVA to drive over. The walk across was great too once I figured out how to get on it!"

Lizzy Pass

What People Like

Scenic river views

Free pedestrian/bike access

Affordable vehicle toll

What People Dislike

Narrow pedestrian path

Traffic safety concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Boulevard Bridge, also known as the Nickel Bridge, connects Westover Hills and the Carillon/Maymont/Byrd Park areas in Richmond, VA. It's accessible by car, bike, or on foot, linking the north and south sides of the city.

Parking is available near the bridge, with access points for the pedestrian path and the underwater pipeline trail.

Yes, it's legal to run and bike across the Boulevard Bridge. While the pedestrian/bike path is available, some have noted it can be narrow.

The bridge connects Westover Hills Boulevard to areas like Carillon and Byrd Park, offering scenic routes through beautiful neighborhoods.

While legal, some cyclists express caution regarding Richmond drivers' safety on the roadway.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The toll for vehicles is 35 cents, or you can use an EZPass. Pedestrians and cyclists cross for free.

No, the original 5-cent toll has changed. It now costs 35 cents for vehicles, though it's still affectionately called the Nickel Bridge.

Historically, residents on the South side were given passes. Currently, the 35-cent toll is a budget-friendly option compared to other bridges.

A toll attendant is present for full service if you only have bills. The exact hours for the attendant are not specified, but the bridge is generally accessible.

Yes, a toll attendant is available to accept cash payments if you only have bills.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a scenic drive, walk, or bike across the bridge. There's also a unique underwater pipeline trail to explore.

The bridge offers beautiful views of the James River and the surrounding Richmond landscape, especially during the day and at night.

The pathway is accessible for walking and biking, but it is noted as being quite narrow.

Be aware of potential icing during cold winters and exercise caution regarding wildlife, such as bears, in the surrounding natural areas.

Yes, the pathway is a wonderful spot to record videos day or night.

📸 📸 Photography

The bridge is beautiful both day and night, offering different photographic opportunities. Golden hour and twilight can provide particularly stunning light.

Capture scenic river views, the bridge's architecture, and the surrounding cityscape. The underwater pipeline trail also offers unique angles.

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and traffic.

Experiment with shots from the pedestrian path, the underwater pipeline trail, or from viewpoints along the riverbanks for varied perspectives.

Drone regulations vary by location and airspace. It's advisable to check local FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area.