Great Bridge Bridge — Attraction in Chesapeake

Completed in 2004, the Great Bridge Bridge (no, I didn't stutter) handles an average of 35,000 vehicles per day and opens on the hour between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., with on-demand openings overnight. This twin bascule span bridge carries Battlefield Boulevard across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Great Bridge gets its name from a pivotal moment in early American history--the Battle of Great Bridge, fought on December 9, 1775, during the Revolutionary War. This brief but decisive clash occurred near a strategic crossing over the Elizabeth River, where a wooden bridge connected the surrounding marshlands. The battle marked a turning point: colonial forces routed British troops under Lord Dunmore, effectively ending royal control in Virginia and forcing the British to retreat to Norfolk. The name "Great Bridge" originally referred to that wooden span itself, which was considered "great" not in size but in strategic importance.

And so the area became as Great Bridge. And this bridge (obviously not the one from the 1700's) is the Great Bridge Bridge. There is no toll to cross it. I did stick around for a bit but there was no traffic on the waterway such that it...

Some rich douche-pallet thought it would be a good idea to go through here on his yacht to stop traffic for ~15 minutes by making the draw bridge open, and I yelled out, "UGH! JUST GREAT!"

Anyway, this "great" bridge, located in Great Bridge, is decent at best; not as great as self-advertised. I've seen bridges much greater than the Great Bridge Bridge. Why does it think it's so great? Is it like the "Trump" of bridges? Do we need to make bridges great again? What level of greatness is this great bridge? I'd say moderate greatness, hence the 3 stars. Everyone have...

Never seen a bridge with its own museum attached. Got colored bird art all along the way and places to tie up your boat for free while you wait. They even have wifi! Opens on the hour. Now, only if I could get the bridge attendant to refill my...