PETERSBURG, Va. -- Residents who live on and near St. Andrews Street in Petersburg said they didn't mind the road closing for crews to repair the bridge.
Although, many of them, like Robin Mason, said they didn't expect detour signs to stay up nearly a decade -- with the street blocked with concrete barricades.
"I think it's an atrocity," says Mason, who remembers well when the street was open. "It was actually a major street to the highway, to the mall area, to doctors, to the vet, so it as a very valuable entry way for the residents here".
Neighbors said it is time to fix this section
"It was actually a major street to the highway, to the mall area, to doctors, to the vet, so it as a very valuable entry way for the residents here."
Detour signs have been up so long, some said they have faded with time. Even newcomers to the area, like Brenda Koh, believe the bridge needs to be fixed and the road reopened.
"I wish it was still open, so people have an easier access to go places, it will be quicker," Koh said. "I wish Petersburg had more funds to open it."
The city said St. Andrews Street has had the detour for nine years and for now, there are no funds available to do the needed replacement.
"I've never used the street," said Dymichael Gordon, who lives nearby. "I think if you open it up then it will be, just ease traffic up on at lease Wythe and Washington Streets for people, instead of taking a detour around."
