Latest update!

On July 6, 2018 the last segment of the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project was set in the new eastbound bridge.

Last Segment being placed in the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

On Saturday, July 28, 2018 Virginia Beach Public Arts dedicated “The Canoes” sculpture located in the scenic overlook of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge.

“The Canoes” Sculpture (Artist: Donald Lipski) Dedicated by Virginia Beach Public Arts

And on Thursday, August 30th, 2018 traffic will be moved to the new eastbound Lesner Bridge. We have all waited four years for this major milestone in the project and we are excited to deliver our newest piece of infrastructure to the citizens of Virginia Beach and all users of Shore Drive. This traffic switch will also include pedestrians wanting to cross the Lynnhaven Inlet.

Here are the details:

Beginning approximately 8:00 PM on Thursday August 30th, traffic control will be installed on each side of the bridge; on Shore Drive at East Stratford Road and on Shore Drive at Page Avenue and Vista Circle. Once the old pavement markings at these intersections have been removed and replaced with the new ones the eastbound Shore Drive traffic will be moved to the new bridge.

After moving the eastbound Shore Drive traffic, the westbound Shore Drive traffic will be shifted over to the south side of the westbound bridge.

The traffic switch will be completed by 5:00 AM Friday morning, August 31 2018.

The Contractor is currently preparing the eastbound bridge and approaches for this traffic switch. The gantry has been dismantled and removed, railings are beiing installed, the bridge deck has been planed and grooved, the remaining street lights are being prepared for installation, guardrail installation is nearing completion, traffic signals are being adjusted, and pavement markings for the bridge and approaches are scheduled for tomorrow, August 29th. We are just hoping that the weather will cooperate with this schedule.

​Deck and Multi-use path of the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

§ ​​​Remove temporary concrete barrier wall and chain link screening from the westbound bridge;​
§ Begin building the new traffic barrier on the westbound bridge;
§ Continue work on the seawall located near the Virginia Pilots Association;
§ Continue installation of the bridge aesthetic lighting (necklace and pier column lights); and ​
§ Continue the bridge painting.

​​​​​​​View Looking Northeast at Bridge Engineers Inspecting the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

There will be a lot of work taking place Thursday evening, so please drive carefully.

Have a Wonderful and Safe Labor Day Weekend!

​-Chris​

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com