Category Archives: LESNER BRIDGE

“FEDERAL PUBLIC NOTICE . . .PROPOSED MODIFICATION: The applicant proposes to modify the original permit to allow for a 360 linear feet wide by 20 feet long concrete wharf / bulkhead structure to remain in place.”

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View all documents at US Army Corps of Engineers website here.

FEDERAL EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: The decision whether to modify a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact including cumulative impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest. The decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefits which reasonably may be expected from the modification must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All of the modification’s relevant factors will be considered, including conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural values, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values, land use classification, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, consideration of property ownership and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people.

The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of this modification. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps of Engineers to determine whether to modify, condition or deny this proposal. Comments are used to determine the need for a public hearing and to determine the overall public interest of the proposed modification. Anyone may request a public hearing to consider this modification by writing to the District Commander within 30 days of the date of this notice, stating specific reasons for holding the public hearing. The District Commander will then decide if a hearing should be held.
COMMENT PERIOD: Comments on this request for modification should be in writing and can be sent by either email to scharlene.a.floyd@usace.army.mil or by regular mail, addressed to the Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WR-S), 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011, and should be received by the close of business on August 6, 2018.

PUBLIC COMMENT ENDS 6 AUG 18

“Responding officers found Brandon Carneal, 26, of Virginia Beach, at the scene. Carneal was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.”

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Story at Pilotonline.com.

“An eyewitness told 10 On Your Side two motorcyclists both accelerated west at a high speed when the red light they were stopped at switched to green.”

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Update at WAVY.com:

According to the witness, the trailing motorcyclist lost control and crossed into eastbound traffic.

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager:”July 6th A major milestone will be reached – the placement of the final bridge segment of the EB bridge superstructure . . .”

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From an email:

On Friday, July 6th A major milestone will be reached – the placement of the final bridge segment of the EB bridge superstructure (see email below). Although not as important as opening the bridge to traffic (still anticipated the last week of August), this event does mark the end of all major bridge construction for the project. After that segment is placed and the tendons stressed and grouted, the gantry will be launched ahead to the bridge approach (in front of the VA/MD Pilots Association) and readied for disassembly. Work is already taking place for the disassembly of the loading gantry located in the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Area.

I just wanted to let you all know of this event just in case you wanted to be there Friday morning and view from the sidewalk of the WB Bridge. Right now somewhere between 9:30 AM and 11:00AM looks like about the time they will set that segment.

Hooray!

-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

From: Tom Bettcher [mailto:tbettcher@mcleancontracting.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2018 3:38 PM
To: Chris J. Wojtowicz
Cc: James P. Hess ; Vincent Smith
Subject: Span 10 Update

Chris,

As of 3:15 this afternoon (Thursday), the crew is working on the 7th of 13 total joints in Span 10. We lost a little time today with the passing showers and had to “unstack” the second half of the segments. Hopefully two more joints will be completed today, leaving 4 to do tomorrow. Typical joints take approximately 45 minutes with the last two, which are done somewhat concurrently, taking slightly longer. As of right now, my best guess for finishing would be between 9:30 AM & 11 AM tomorrow.

Tom Bettcher
Project Superintendent
tbettcher@mcleancontracting.com
Mobile: (757) 651-6265

#LESNERBRIDGE update: “looks like we will move the eastbound traffic to the new bridge by the end of August 2018”

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Email update today:

Citizens/Residents/Sunbathers/Sportspersons/Everybodyelse:

So you’ve got a great weekend to relax and enjoy the outdoors with the blue skies and great temps. You’ve stretched out in your beach chair, rubbed on the cocoa butter, put in the ear buds, grabbed an icy cold drink and NOW . . . you need something to read.

Well, you’re in luck. Just in time for your weekend, you have before you the missive commonly known as the Lesner Bridge Update . . . also popularly known as the Kingfish Chronicle or the Wojo Report . . . take your pick. In this edition, Kingfish enlightens us all with the latest work and accomplishments as we near the finish line.

While it may be somewhat briefer than past reports, he still finds a way to slip in some of that engineer lingo like “base and intermediate asphalt” and “subgrade on the east side” and “falsework for the gantry launch.” (I know . . . I’m getting goosebumps too!) It just doesn’t read the same when an English major knucklehead writes it.

Even better – just to show you Public Works knows how to economize – you can take this report, print it out and use it on the beach to swat the sand fleas and flies, and then dispose. “Multi-use” is our creed in the PW department . . . (as in – after I write this stuff I have to go empty the trash in everyone’s office and clean the windows . . . they’re “multi-using” me).

As always, we appreciate your questions and e-mails, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you haven’t already signed up for the City’s FB page or Twitter account, I encourage you to do so; that means you will receive timely updates from all things City-related and show that annoying friend who keeps running his yap about everything he THINKS he knows that you are far better informed than him.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them – and please feel free to pass this along to others.

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project.

Please . . . enjoy this weekend.

And don’t forget . . . stay safe, look out for each other, and put the daggone phone down while you’re driving – don’t make an LOL a DOA.

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

*****************************************

Folks:

Since the last update in March, McLean has completed construction of the EB bridge substructure, including Pier columns 8 and 9. They have also completed spans 5, 6, and 7 of the bridge superstructure and are currently working on span 8 (of 10). The new bridge fender system, including the navigational lighting has also been completed.

At the bridge approaches on both sides of the bridge, sidewalks have been placed, curb and gutter has been installed, painting of the retaining walls has been completed, and installation of the permanent handrailing is nearly complete. Base and intermediate asphalt pavement have been placed on the western bridge approach at East Stratford Road,and the subgrade on the east side of the bridge is being prepared for upcoming paving work near Vista Circle.

Multi-use Path Lighting of the new EB Lesner Bridge

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

· Complete Span #8 of the eastbound bridge and launch the gantry to Span #9;

· Pave the eastern bridge approach and the intersection of Shore Drive and Vista Circle;

· Install falsework for the gantry launch at Pier #9;

· Install the expansion joint at Abutment A (near Lynnhaven Boat Ramps); and

· Continue to install bridge lighting systems.

View Looking West at completed Span #7 (right) of the new EB Lesner Bridge

At this point it looks like we will move the eastbound traffic to the new bridge by the end of August 2018. Once we complete this traffic switch, we will move to the westbound bridge to remove the temporary concrete barriers and fencing in order to build the 10-foot wide multi-use path. We are looking at total project completion by November 2018, including all street lighting and landscaping.

That’s it in a nutshell.

Thank You,

-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

LMW documents from VB FOIA request by OPCL

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Ocean Park Civic League asked for all the current docs about the Lesner Municipal Wharf & proposed ideas for it’s use.

Lesner Municipal Wharf FOIA Details from May2018. (30 page PDF)

Documents include:

ACTION ITEMS

1. The COE and DEQ will discuss internally and advise on the appropriate permit process for the modification and extension request.
2. The City/Consultant will reconnect w/COE and DEQ the week of April 9th for direction and clarity on the process.
3. The City/Consultant will expand efforts on the permit modification/extension and incorporate COE/DEQ input, as appropriate, for the next submission.

UPDATE

Scharlene Floyd of the COE issued a permit extension on March 30, 2018 to extend the permit effective through May 13, 2022.

The bubbles are potential areas that are proposed to illustrate which neighborhoods might use certain transfer sites.

#LESNERBRIDGE update: Nighttime and daytime lane closures planned for early next week.

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From Wojo:

REMINDER:
Lane closures on Eastbound (EB) Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street will be setup the EVENINGS of March 26 and March 27, 2018.

EB Shore Drive Lane Closure at East Stratford Street for March 26 thru March 27th 2018

Paving work is scheduled (weather permitting) for two nights beginning on Monday, March 26th and ending in the early morning hours of March 28th. Working hours for each evening will be from 7:00PM to 5:00AM. Therefore, beginning the evening of Monday, March 26th at approximately 7:00 PM, single lane closures will be setup on EB Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street. EAST STRATFORD STREET WILL BE CLOSED AT SHORE DRIVE during each of these nights, so plan accordingly.

DAYTIME Lane closures on WB SHORE DRIVE AT PAGE AVENUE will also take place on March 26th, 2018. The RIGHT lane of WB Shore Drive will be closed at Page Avenue beginning at 9:00 AM on March 26th to allow the contractor to install the new traffic signal heads on the new mast arm. At some point during the day, the RIGHT lane will be re-opened and the lane closure moved to the LEFT lane to complete signal head installation. All daytime lane closures will be removed by 3:00 PM on March 26th. If additional work is needed to complete installation of the signal heads on this mast arm, the contractor will finish their work on Tuesday, March 27th utilizing a LEFT lane closure beginning at 9:00 AM on March 27th and ending some time before 3:00 PM that day.

WB Shore Drive Lane Closure at Page Avenue for March 26 thru March 27th 2018

Please Drive Carefully as you travel through this construction zone!

Thank You,
-Chris

Wharf Permit Modification update including letter to DEQ & ACOE

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Reposted from OPCL.org.

Wharf Permit Modification Letter 3-5-18 (3 page PDF)

Thanks to Mr. Roehrs for also providing the recent email discussion below:

From: “Phillip J. Roehrs”
To: Myles Pocta
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:31:52 +0000
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169
Please include Dan Adams. Thanks.

Phill Roehrs, P.E.
Water Resources Engineer
City of Virginia Beach
Public Works Engineering
757-385-8985

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2018 10:31 AM
To: Phillip J. Roehrs ; Chris J. Wojtowicz
Cc: Danny B. Taylor ; David A. Bradshaw
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Phil,

Roger; will do and look to shore up for mid-to-late AM on 3/30 (Friday).
Also, be I’ll be checking with Clark-Nexsen on their availability to host mtg.

Lastly, Is there anyone else at the City you’d like to invite ?
After hearing from you and CN, I’ll send out email invite.

Thanks,

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM
President

MAP Environmental Inc.
116 Landmark Square, Suite 101
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
(757) 498-6131 phone
(757) 498-6132 fax
(757) 615-4929 cell
http://www.mapenvironmental.com

—–Original Message—–
From: Phillip J. Roehrs [mailto:PRoehrs@vbgov.com]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2018 9:47 AM
To: Myles Pocta ; Chris J. Wojtowicz
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

I can do the 30th. Sorry for the delay, I was off Wed-Fri, and forgot to post a notification.

Phill Roehrs, P.E.
Water Resources Engineer
City of Virginia Beach
Public Works Engineering
757-385-8985

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2018 2:18 PM
To: Chris J. Wojtowicz ; Phillip J. Roehrs
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Thanks Chris. Phil, how does the 30th look for you ?

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM
President

MAP Environmental Inc.
116 Landmark Square, Suite 101
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
(757) 498-6131 phone
(757) 498-6132 fax
(757) 615-4929 cell
http://www.mapenvironmental.com

—–Original Message—–
From: Chris J. Wojtowicz [mailto:CWojtowi@vbgov.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2018 11:26 AM
To: Myles Pocta ; Phillip J. Roehrs
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Myles,

March 30th is Good Friday and I will be taking both the 29th and the 30th off.

-Chris

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2018 10:23 AM
To: Phillip J. Roehrs ; Chris J. Wojtowicz
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Good morning Phil,

After Tuesday’s email, Scharlene Floyd (COE) called to briefly talk about the extension/modification.
She thinks a meeting (w/her and Sheri, DEQ) has merit and suggested later this month at Clark Nexsen.

We think its wise to meet and include the following attendees: you, Chris W, Dave, Danny, COE (Scharlene & Greg Steele (?)) and the DEQ.
In terms of venue/date, we suggest mtg. at Clark Nexsen the last week of March (both the COE and DEQ are open Friday, March 30).

Are you amenable & does March 30th work or do we need another date for you ?

Please advise if you want me to canvass others and/or send an email invite ?

Thanks,

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM
President

MAP Environmental Inc.
116 Landmark Square, Suite 101
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
(757) 498-6131 phone
(757) 498-6132 fax
(757) 615-4929 cell
http://www.mapenvironmental.com

—–Original Message—–
From: Floyd, Scharlene A CIV USARMY CENAO (US) [mailto:Scharlene.A.Floyd@usace.army.mil]
Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 10:45 AM
To: Myles Pocta
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

After our phone discussion, would it not make sense to have a meeting to discuss this proposal after our discussion about Elbow Road? Thanks, S

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 9:19 AM
To: Floyd, Scharlene A CIV USARMY CENAO (US) ; Kattan, Sheri (DEQ) ; Worrell, Justin (MRC)
Cc: Chris J. Wojtowicz ; Phillip J. Roehrs ; David A. Bradshaw ; Danny B.
Taylor ; Kelly Waldrop ; Mack Frost ; Hal Pitts ; Joe Wallenfelsz
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Good morning Scharlene and Sheri,

As recently discussed, please see the attached letter requesting an extension and modification to the City’s existing permits.

Please review and advise if you require additional information or wish to meet and discuss.

We appreciate your review and look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM

President

MAP Environmental Inc.

116 Landmark Square, Suite 101

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452

(757) 498-6131 phone

(757) 498-6132 fax

(757) 615-4929 cell

http://www.mapenvironmental.com

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: “Chris J. Wojtowicz”
To: Daniel Adams
Cc: “Phillip J. Roehrs”
Bcc:
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2018 18:43:31 +0000
Subject: RE: Council Briefings
Dan,

The cost was $1,138,799.24 to construct and was designed by Clark-Nexsen (A&E)

There is also a line item to remove this wharf in the amount of $32,142.47

There is about 753,000 lbs. of salvageable sheet pile in the temporary wharf. At $0.20/lb of scrap value that would equate to $150,600.

So, we expect a change order to be approximately ($150,600-$32,142) $118,000.

Thanks,
-Chris

From: Daniel Adams
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 9:31 AM
To: Chris J. Wojtowicz
Cc: Phillip J. Roehrs
Subject: FW: Council Briefings
Importance: High

Chris,

Need some cost information and history on the wharf.

What was the cost to construct?

What is the estimated cost for it to remain? (assume we are due a credit for removal labor and disposal cost minus any salvage value)

Was the facility designed by the project A/E or did the contractor design it based on their operational needs and equipment?

That is all.

Thanks,

Dan

From: Tom Leahy
Sent: Monday, January 8, 2018 5:54 PM
To: Mark A. Johnson
Cc: Tonia P. Alger ; Greg Johnson ; Shanda H. Davenport ; Charles Bodnar ; Bradley W Vanderwarker ; Phillip J. Roehrs ; Daniel Adams ; Shandra L. Cummings
Subject: Council Briefings

Stormwater was scheduled to provide a briefing on Ashville on January 16. That has been cancelled pending the development of more details of the cost sharing with HomeFed. However, please start roughing a presentation out. We may have to do it on February 6.

In its place on January 16, Coastal will provide a briefing on the Lesner Municipal Wharf. Dave does want some cost information about how much this cost us to construct, and how much it will cost us to make it permanent.

The Central Beach District Briefing will have to occur on February 6 because that is the day that Dave is taking the ordinance to City Council. I will discuss with him February 20, but don’t count on that. I will help work on this presentation. We will need to address the issues raised the last time we tried this. My notes of the November 21, 2017 Council meeting are included below:

Thanks,
Tom

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: “Steele, Gregory C CIV USARMY CENAO (US)”
To: “Phillip J. Roehrs”
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 14:44:20 +0000
Subject: RE: Lesner Municipal Wharf
Thanks, Phill!

Gregory C. Steele, P.E., WRCP
Chief, Water Resources Division
Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
803 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 201-7764 office
(757) 805-4259 cell

Gregory.C.Steele@usace.army.mil

—–Original Message—–
From: Phillip J. Roehrs [mailto:PRoehrs@vbgov.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 9:21 AM
To: Steele, Gregory C CIV USARMY CENAO (US)
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Municipal Wharf

Greg,

Thanks for meeting with me Friday. Here’s the letter regarding the wharf, just sent this morning.

Phill Roehrs, P.E.

Water Resources Engineer

City of Virginia Beach

Public Works Engineering

757-385-8985

SHORE DRIVE CORRIDOR: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE presentation to City Council scheduled for MARCH 13, 2018

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View entire 39 page slideshow. (PDF)

You can watch it live at this link on Tuesday March 13th at 4pm.

#LESNERBRIDGE update from your favorite Project Manager: “EB Shore Drive Lane Closure at East Stratford Street for March 12 thru March 15th 2018”

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Including a fascinating intro from your Media & Communication specialist Drew:

Friends/Citizens/Learned Scholars/Buccaneers:

As the warm, sultry days of February ease into the frozen, icy days of March, I begin to wonder if any of it makes sense anymore. Nature is blooming and yet it’s crazy cold most days – cold enough that those kids standing by the highway for Liberty Tax Service are putting the torches inside that cheap costume to stay warm. God bless ‘em. It seems the only people I can trust anymore are the people who put together the Farmer’s Almanac. Now THERE is real wisdom in those pages.

Still we must turn our attention to matters of importance . . . like what is the latest on the Lesner Bridge. As you well know, I could never explain it in a way that would enlighten and inform you – or even sound like
English – so for that I turn to my favorite engineer of bridges, roads and sand castles on the beach – Chris the Kingfish.

He has a handle on the work plans and accomplishments that wows those who listen. He knows all and sees all in all matters named Lesner. He keeps a close watch on the work and keeps a steady hand as they progress. And he also plays a mean polka on the accordion if you talk sweet to him.

Perusing today’s update, we find information concerning a “remaining moment slab,” “falsework for the gantry launch,” and “base and intermediate mixes of asphalt.” This is some heavy stuff . . . (someone hurry and bring me my smelling salts!). Of course, I normally hang with people who read “Beetle Baily” with a highlighter – not wanting to miss any of that deep sub-text.

Please pay special attention to his announcement about “single lane closures will be setup on EB Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street. EAST STRATFORD STREET WILL BE CLOSED AT SHORE DRIVE during each of these nights” . . . We really don’t want anyone inconvenienced any more than possible, so read and be prepared. It’s these kinds of thoughtful advance warnings that make Kingfish such a teddy bear.

So, have a seat by the fire, relax and read up on the news a lot of people won’t receive about the Lesner Bridge, and prepare yourself to outshine them when it comes to bridge talk. Please read and ingest . . . let the words flow over you . . . you will feel the knowledge seeping into the ol’ noggin.

As always, we appreciate your questions and e-mails, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you haven’t already signed up for the City’s FB page or Twitter account, I encourage you to do so; that means you will receive timely updates from all things City-related and show that annoying friend you are far better informed than anyone else in your circle.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project.

And don’t forget . . . stay safe, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving – don’t make an LOL a DOA. (Editor’s note: Emphasis ours.)

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

****************************************************

Folks:

Since the last update, Pier #5 has been completed and work on the bridge superstructure has resumed. While this bridge work continues, a lot of you have noticed that much of the sidewalk, handicap ramps, curb and gutter has been completed on the west side of the bridge (near East Stratford Street). We are finally at a point in the project that pavement can be placed on this western bridge approach and in the intersection of Shore Drive/East Stratford Street.

This, unfortunately, means lane closures on Eastbound (EB) Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street.

EB Shore Drive Lane Closure at East Stratford Street for March 12 thru March 15th 2018

Here are the details:

Paving work is scheduled (weather permitting) for three nights beginning on Monday, March 12th and ending in the early morning hours of March 15th. Working hours for each evening will be from 7:00PM to 5:00AM. Therefore, beginning the evening of Monday, March 12th at approximately 7:00 PM, single lane closures will be setup on EB Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street. EAST STRATFORD STREET WILL BE CLOSED AT SHORE DRIVE during each of these nights, so plan accordingly.

Only the base and intermediate mixes of asphalt will be placed at this time. The final riding surface will be placed at a later date.

Progress on the bridge’s superstructure is finally beginning to pick up again. All of the segments for Piers #5 and #6 have been installed and the gantry is currently being readied to receive the 14 segments of span 6 (delivered by barge). Other work has also been completed since the last update in February 2018:

    · The footing and column for Pier #5 have been completed;

    · Both pier segments have been installed on pier column #5 and the gantry launched to EB bridge span #6;

    · Both pier segments have been installed on pier column #6;

    · The remaining wood timbers and steel piles for the channel fender system have been installed;

    · The footing at Pier #8 has been completed and the reinforcing steel and formwork for the column has been installed;

    · MSE wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association has been completed;

    · The 10-foot wide concrete multi-use path along MSE wall #2 between East Stratford and the new EB Bridge has been completed;

    · Installation of the curb & gutter and median curb on the west side of the bridge between East Stratford Street and the new EB Bridge has been completed;

    · Grading for the new 10-foot wide multi-use path between the new EB Bridge and East Stratford Street has been completed; and

    · Dominion Energy has installed the new 3-phase switch and conduit for the new bridge power supply.

New 3-Phase Switch for Bridge Power Supply.

Completed Footing and Steel Reinforcing Column at Pier #8 new EB Bridge

Completed Footing and Column at Pier #5 EB Bridge

View looking East from East Stratford Street at the recently completed 10-foot wide
multi-use path that will cross the new EB Bridge.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

    · Complete the column at Pier #8;

    · Set all of the segments in Span #6;

    · Pave the western bridge approach and the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street;

    · Install falsework for the gantry launch at Pier #7;

    · Place the remaining moment slab along MSE Wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association;

    · Begin excavation for the Pier #9 footing (this is the last remaining footing for the EB bridge); and

    · Complete the installation of ductbank behind MSE Wall #5.

Segments for Span #6 of the new EB Lesner Bridge Being Delivered to the Project Site

That’s it for now!

Drive Safely!

-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

Lesner opening in July 2018.

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Article at Pilotonline.com.

Finishing the Lesner, even if it’s behind schedule, will only benefit the area, Henry said.

“We expect business to increase,” he said. “I know it will help our location and get more people to Shore Drive.”

Screen shot of construction cam from March 2nd ’18 at 11am.

Exciting panel discussion about The Canoes at MOCA!

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Join us for a discussion on the integration of two seemingly disconnected fields: Art and Engineering. Learn how the merging of creativity and calculation gives us a new perception of our community. Our distinguished panelists include:

Donald Lipski
Artist of The Canoes at Lesner Bridge

Chris Wojtowicz
City of Virginia Beach, Project Manager of the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project

Mel Price, Principal, Work Program Architects (WPA)

Moderated by Ron Williams, Virginia Beach Deputy City Manager

“The wharf was approved on a temporary basis back in 2012, as part of the Lesner Bridge construction. Now, the city wants to keep the wharf permanently.”

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Report including video at 13 News Now.

The wharf was approved on a temporary basis back in 2012, as part of the Lesner Bridge construction. Now, the city wants to keep the wharf permanently.

Ocean Park Civic League would like your help in helping Vice Mayor Jones secure funding for Phase 4 for Shore Drive upgrades in Ocean Park.

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Please Email City Council now. You will make a difference at OPCL.org

Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor & City Council Members,

I am petitioning you to fund Shore Drive Phase IV immediately.

Specifically:

1. Please find 50% funding for CIP 2.118.000 Shore Drive Corridor Improvements-Phase 4 in 2018.

2. Please fund 100% of Phase 4 by 2019.

Finishing Phase IV now is critical to the health of Virginia Beach. Why?

The City Council commissioned Urban Land Institute Study of Shore Drive in 1996 and City Council Adopted Comprehensive Plan in 1997 state that:

“(Virginia Beach should) Recognize and improve the Shore Drive corridor as a resort gateway community, not a resort destination.”

“Shore Drive also serves as a tourist gateway for those heading to the oceanfront, offering for many their first glimpse of the City of Virginia Beach. Therefore, it is important to make a good first impression.”

City Council previously recognized the importance of this corridor:
1. City Council created the Shore Drive (Bayfront) Advisory Committee . . .

Click to view OPCL.org page.

“With construction of the Lesner Bridge expected to wrap up by the end of summer, Roehrs said it’s time to revisit the issue.”

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View entire article at Pilotonline.com:

In the future, “we don’t want to lose the option to use it as a transfer site for neighborhood dredging,” Roehrs said.

In 1972, the city bought the space – southwest of the bridge and across from a cluster of waterfront seafood restaurants – to stockpile sand for Oceanfront beach replenishment.

“BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION.” Saturday 10am to 10pm #LesnerBridge Update.

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PLEASE SHARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY !

Expect delays caused by single lane in both directions from 10am to 10pm.

From an email update from Project Manager:

Folks:

In the last project update (11/22/2017) we mentioned that we had issues with one of the 10 drilled shaft foundations for Pier #5 of the new eastbound bridge. Between the holidays, cold weather, and a longer than expected duration for remediation of drilled shaft #1 at Pier #5 construction of the EB bridge superstructure had been temporarily suspended. That was the bad news.

Now the good news. Shaft #1 at Pier #5 has been fully remediated, all 10 drilled shafts in this footing have been cut down to the correct elevation, and all of the reinforcing steel for the footing has been placed. The footing is now ready to receive the 400 cubic yards of concrete which is planned for tomorrow, February 3rd, 2018. The concrete will be delivered to this footing via two concrete pumper trucks parked near the center span of the Lesner Bridge eastbound lanes.

This, unfortunately, means lane closures on Lesner Bridge for most of the day tomorrow, Saturday February 3, 2018. Here are the details:

Beginning tomorrow, 2/3/2018 at approximately 10:00 AM single lane closures will be setup on Shore Drive approaching eastbound Lesner Bridge between DuPont Circle and Vista Circle. Single lane closures will also be setup during this time for westbound Shore Drive traffic approaching Lesner Bridge between Page Avenue and East Stratford Street. BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. BOTH eastbound lanes on Lesner Bridge will be CLOSED until the concrete placement operations are completed. All work and temporary lane closures on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge are expected to be cleared by 10:00 PM Saturday night, February 3rd, 2018. Be advised that, in addition to the lane reductions on the bridge, there will also be flaggers present that will intermittently STOP all traffic in BOTH directions on the bridge to allow the arrival and departure of concrete delivery trucks.

There will be a lot of activity on the bridge tomorrow so please plan accordingly and drive slowly when crossing the bridge.

Once Pier #5 is complete, we will launch the gantry across the inlet, set the pier segments on Pier #5 and then launch to Pier #6 and set the pier segments on Pier column #6. Span #6 will then be assembled by picking segments off a barge moored in this location. After Span #6 is completed, the gantry will be back-launched toward the channel to complete the other half of the cantilever section of Span #5 that crosses the channel.

Footing Reinforcing Steel being placed at Pier #5 EB Bridge (Completed Pier Column #6 shown in background)

View looking East from East Stratford Street at the recently graded area for the 10-foot wide multi-use path that will cross the new EB Bridge.

Since the last update other work on the project continued while waiting for Pier #5 to be completed. The following work has been completed since the November 22, 2017 update:

· 4 additional segments of cantilever Span #5 have been constructed for the new EB bridge (8 total);

· The footing and column at Pier #7 have been completed;

· The cofferdam around the footing for Pier #8 has been installed and the and the area around the drilled shafts excavated;

· All four drilled shafts at Pier #9 have been installed (ALL DRILLED SHAFT INSTALLATION FOR THE PROJECT IS NOW COMPLETE);

· Abutment B for the EB bridge has been completed;

· Grading for the new 10-foot wide multi-use path between the new EB Bridge and East Stratford Street has been completed;

· The remaining two street lights (four total) on the western bridge approach have been installed;

Completed Abutment B EB Bridge. Forms being removed.

Completed Footing and Column at Pier #7 new EB Bridge (Forms shown being removed).

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

· Complete the footing and column at Pier #5;

· Place reinforcement steel for the footing at Pier #8;

· Backfill Abutment B and complete MSE wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association;

· Install falsework for gantry launch at Pier #5;

· Complete concrete multi-use path along MSE wall #2 between East Stratford and the new EB Bridge; and

· Complete curb & gutter and median curb on the west side of the bridge between East Stratford Street and the new EB Bridge.

That’s it for now!

Drive Safely!

-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