Construction begins on pedestrian bridges near VCU - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

Crews began major road work Tuesday morning near VCU's Monroe park campus.

It's all to build two footbridges for cycling fans in anticipation of the big race that gets underway in a couple of weeks.

The first pedestrian bridge going up will be across West Main Street between North Cherry and North Harrison Streets, by the VCU Student Commons.  The other will cross West Franklin Street, by Shaffer Street.

People will be able to literally walk above cyclists and traffic, by using the bridge. VCU officials say the footbridges cross the streets near campus that have the most foot-traffic.

Construction is already underway on West Main Street will run straight through Wednesday at 5 p.m.  Work on West Franklin Street will start Thursday at 9 a.m. and will go through Friday until 5 p.m.

West Main and Franklin Streets will stay closed overnight during the construction, and no parking is allowed.

These bridges will help ease backups during the race by letting spectators cross Main Street without holding up traffic.

Most classes at VCU will be closed race week, but the university will stay open. The footbridges will be removed after the race.

Copyright 2015 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved.

Report an Error or Submit a Tip to NBC12