Wasena in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Wiley Drive Bridge Replacement
Photographed by Bernard Fisher
1. Wiley Drive Bridge Replacement Marker
Replacement of a culverted bridge across the Roanoke River in the City of Roanoke, Virginia was completed in May 2010. The original bridge contained nine culverts elevated above the bed of the river effectively blocking upstream fish migration in low flows and exacerbating flood events in high flows.
Due to the small size of the culverts, recreational boaters were forced to portage around the bridge. The new bridge allows unobstructed passage of native and sport fish, improves access for recreational boaters, and helps to alleviate local flooding.
This project benefits the citizens of Roanoke and the recovery of the Roanoke logperch.
Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, FishAmerica Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the City of Roanoke.
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Federally endangered Roanoke logperch (Credit: Conservation Fisheries, Inc.)
Wiley Drive Bridge Before Replacement: Undersized culverts and concrete fill impeded flood flows, fish migration, and recreational boating.
New Wiley Drive Bridge (May 2010): Open spans return the
this page online
Erected by Roanoke Parks and Recreation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Bridges & Viaducts • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is May 2010.
Location. 37° 15.88′ N, 79° 57.4′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Wasena. It can be reached from the intersection of Winona Avenue Southwest and Winona Avenue SW, on the left when traveling east. Located along the Roanoke River Greenway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 720 Winona Ave SW, Roanoke VA 24015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region and in Southwest Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 3, 2026
2. Roanoke River Greenway
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James Alexander Tract Boundary (approx. 0.4 miles away); Floating on the River: Batteau History (approx. 0.4 miles away); 511 Day Ave SW (approx. 0.4 miles away); Torteras Village Indian Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lynching in America / The Lynching of Thomas Smith (approx. 0.6 miles away); Roanoke Memorial Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew (approx. 0.7 miles away); Panama Canal Mule No. 686 (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Robert Edward Lee (was approx. ¾ mile away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Roanoke River Greenway. (Submitted on November 5, 2026.)
2. Roanoke Valley Greenways. (Submitted on November 5, 2026.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2026, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2026, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
