Category Archives: News

#LESNERBRIDGE IS CLOSING for BRIEF period of time soon!

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From the classic update from a comedian in COVB Media and a guy from Public Works who <3 the Lesner:

This move will be conducted over three nights: June 19th, 20th, and 21st.

Structural Scholars/Bridge Aficionados/Bored Readers:

For those of you who were wondering: “What am I going to read on the beach this weekend,” or “What can I read late at night that will stir me intellectually and heighten my awareness about structural engineering,” I have an answer – Before you is the latest from the Czar of Bridges, Chris Wojo, the Kingfish.

This is IMPORTANT information, so please take note. The Fish speaks of moving the gantry, substructure work, overheight vehicles, and most importantly . . . CLOSING SHORE DRIVE for a BRIEF period. He has gone to great pains to scratch out everything in details, and I have gone to great pains to check for spelling and punctuation errors . . . I know, it’s dirty work, but someone has to do it. It’s my lot in life.

There truly is a lot of information here and we are doing everything we can to get the word out to the local community so that everyone is aware of what will be taking place. Chris and his team have worked very hard to schedule everything so that there is a minimum of inconvenience to everyone.

We will be posting the latest info on our web pages, as well as the City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you know of an organization or groups we should alert, please let me know and I will be glad to contact them. And if you haven’t already signed up for the City’s FB page or Twitter account, I encourage you to do so so that you receive timely updates from all things City-related.

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 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. So . . . stay safe, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving.

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:

A lot of you have been asking, “When is the gantry going to be moved?” Now that time has come. I hope most of you have heard about or seen the message on the portable signs on Shore Drive:

LES BRDG CLOSED 12AM-4AM
JUNE 19 THRU JUNE 24

We have reached that point in the construction schedule where we need the gantry crane that is currently stored on the north side of Shore Drive to be put in place so that the superstructure of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge can be assembled.

To do this, we need to temporarily close Shore Drive to slide the gantry over the roadway and into position on the south side of Shore Drive.

This move will be conducted over three nights: June 19th, 20th, and 21st.

We will need short-term closures of Shore Drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 4 am, so as to disrupt as little traffic as possible. Note: One lane of the bridge will be kept open for use by emergency vehicles. In the event that emergency vehicles need to cross the bridge during this time, work will be temporarily halted to let the emergency vehicles cross the bridge. The detour route for all other vehicles during these dates and times is provided below.

Detour Route for the Temporary Short-Term Closure of Lesner Bridge

The move of the gantry crane will take place with the following anticipated schedule:

Monday, June 19th: 12 midnight through 4 am.

We will be:

    + Installing two support beams across Shore Drive to connect the falsework on the north side of the bridge to the falsework located on the south side
    + Connecting cables from the winches located on the south side of the bridge to the gantry located on the north side.
    + Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.

NOTE: OVERHEAD CLEARANCE WILL BE 13’9” THEREFORE, OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO USE ANOTHER ROUTE UNTIL THE SUPPORT BEAMS ARE REMOVED

Tuesday, June 20th: 12 midnight until 4 a.m.

We will be:

    + Completing preparations to the gantry rolling system and survey the falsework to ensure proper alignment of the channels.
    + Winching the gantry across Shore Drive and onto the falsework located on the south side of the bridge.
    + Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.

NOTE: AGAIN . . . OVERHEAD CLEARANCE WILL BE 13’9” THEREFORE, OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO USE ANOTHER ROUTE UNTIL THE SUPPORT BEAMS ARE REMOVED.

Wednesday, June 21st: 12 midnight until 4 a.m.

We will be:

    + Removing the two support beams from the falsework that crosses Shore Drive.
    + Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.

NOTE: NO RESTRICTIONS TO OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES.

Gantry Support Falsework

Gantry Move

Other Bridge Construction News:

In addition to the preparations being made for the gantry move, substructure work on the new bridge continues.
Piers 1 and 2 (of 9) of the new eastbound bridge have been completed. All of the drilled shaft foundations and the footing for Pier 3 have been completed and only one drilled shaft remains to be installed for the foundation at Pier 4.

Reinforcing Steel at Pier Column 3

As McLean continues to build the new bridge substructure from the west, they are also continuing the demolition of the old bridges to the east and have completed approximately 80% of this demolition.

Bridge Demolition on the East side of Lynnhaven Inlet

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 143 of the 168 segments have been cast for the new eastbound bridge. It is expected that all bridge segments for the eastbound bridge will be cast by August 2017.
Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

    + Continue bridge demolition;
    + Place concrete and complete construction of Pier #3;
    + Place reinforcing steel and concrete in the footing for Pier #4;
    + Install the falsework and seal slab for Pier #5;
    + Install the falsework and seal slab for Pier #6:
    + Place the leveling pad for the new MSE wall along the south side of Shore Drive between East Stratford Street and the new bridge;
    + Continue filling and grading operations at the new bridge abutments;
    + Install the new traffic signal pole and mast arm on the southeast corner of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street (to be done during the night of the Shore Drive Road closure on June 19th – 20th).

Other information regarding the status of the bridge construction can also be found at http://www.vbgov.com\lesner-bridge

As always, please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this project and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Drive Safely!
-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project 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

4pm meeting at Brock about proposed parking lot CANCELLED

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Previously at SDCC.info.

We will keep you informed when we know more.

Thank you for your continued efforts.

Inaugural Route 35 ride !

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CLICK FOR 1 PAGE PDF OF ROUTE 35

 


Route 35 Firsts

First driver: John
First rider: Todd
First rider with a bike: Wally
First round-tripper: Tim

Roundtrip on this Inaugural run started about 905 to 1020am return trip at Vista Circle.

Ride 35.

 

Bayfront Shuttle that’s starting SUNDAY 830am VISTA CIRCLE

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Woo hoo!

You’ll be able to travel from Shore Drive area to the Oceanfront and back without having to drive.

Or it Starts
SUNDAY VISTA CIRCLE 800am!

(Editor note: Brand new service with kinks the first day no doubt.)

Google Map to Bayfront Shuttle Route 35 stop at Vista Circle.

There’s about a 45 minute wait between buses.

Please be patient expect a learning curve for timely, consistent service.

This test year has Shuttle starting at Vista Circle.

Info at GOHRT.com:

Route 35. Starting May 21, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. From May 22 through Labor Day, VB Wave shuttles will run every 45 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight every day. Then from September 8 through October 1, VB Wave shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight, but only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Survey we ran back in summer of 2015.

Article at Pilotlone.com.

Thanks so far to everyone who has worked on this!!

“The old Lesner Bridge is getting a second life.”

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From Pilotonline.com:

Although the state is paying McLean Contracting to rebuild the bridge, the contractor is using its own money to hire crews that move tons of concrete to the reef. The VMRC monitors the process.

Crews load up a barge of concrete pieces roughly every two weeks and travel about 18 miles to Cabbage Patch Reef. They begin the ride at midnight and make it by the time the sun rises.

Screen Shot of Construction Cam photo taken February 18th at noon.

#LESNERBRIGE

You, the community, are invited to a meeting Tuesday May 23rd at 4pm at Brock re: parking lot idea ON PHP.

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Statement from Parks & Rec printed with permission:

“Parks and Rec has requested to have a tree inventory and survey completed of the construction entrance/parking lot area so amore environmentally sensitive parking area can be designed to accommodate 2 to 3 ADA compliant parking spaces and provide adequate space for a couple of vehicles to temporarily park to off load equipment then pull out onto the on street parking.

This parking area will be constructed at the end of the wetlands restoration project and utilize some of the area used for the construction ingress/egress into the wetlands project area.

The tree survey and inventory will also provide information needed for tree protection measures that will need to be put in place prior to and maintained during the wetlands mitigation project.”

Links to various info about Pleasure House Point on this website located here.

History of preservation of PHP back to 2003 is located on this website.

Brief highlights of the community’s involvement with preservation of Pleasure House Point 2001 – 2012:

  • Approximately $150,000 – $200,000 worth of consulting time was donated to efforts.
  • Those efforts resulted in the most recent real estate speculator to receive exactly 0 required permits.
  • The enforcement of the applicable laws & regulations governing wetlands, buffer, zoning etc reduced the perceived value of PHP & allowed the partners to purchase her for approximately $16.6M discount.

    • From VBGov.com/PHP:

    This high-profile property was once being considered for a large waterfront development, but with the help of The Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the surrounding community, the City has preserved one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Lynnhaven River for generations to come.

    The community has been a vital part of Pleasure House Point for years and looks forward to continued participation with all the stakeholders going forward.

    About community engagement at this website from July ’14.

    correct link: https://weloveshoredrive.com/2014/07/24/the-pleasure-house-point-natural-area-represents-a-unique-opportunity-to-showcase-the-beauty-and-function-of-a-coastal-eco-system-in-the-midst-of-the-highly-developed-waterfront-community-in-the-bay/

    It’s official: “Item 6, Maurice M. Newton & et al – Shore Drive/Woodlawn Ave – GPIN 14891888970000 – Bayside, will be withdrawn at the May 22, 2017 Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Board Public Hearing.”

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    Per email from Mr PJ Scully, PLA for COVB CBPA.

    Monday May 22nd SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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    Click here for a printable version of the agenda 5.22.17 SDCC Agenda

    SDCC General Meeting Agenda

    Monday May 22, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

    Note date is a week early due to Memorial Day

    Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

    (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

    Special Presentation Lesner Bridge Sculpture “The Canoes” –  Ms. Nina Goodale-Salazar, Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach will explain the process for choosing the piece and will also discuss how it is being funded.

    Officer’s Reports:  Secretary- David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President- Wally Damon; President -Todd Solomon

    Old Business-

    Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update.  Presentation made to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC).  Councilman Jim Wood questioning why a traffic light isn’t warranted at the intersection of North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive.

    Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Update on proposed commercial building with a deck bar proposed for wooded, wetland area west of 7-11.  Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board.

    Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Thoughts and feedback welcomed.  Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle Starting May 21, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. Daily, May 21 to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes. Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 to October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes

    New Business

    City Proposed Parking Lot and Kayak Launch at Pleasure House Point (PHP)- Update on the City’s plans to create a kayak launch and supporting 16 space parking lot on the natural park at PHP. City says the plans were always part of the Management Plan for PHP. What happens next?  Are the additions really necessary?

    Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

    Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

    Upcoming Presentations: 

    June 26th – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.

     Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 26, 2017

    New drawings, link to Joint Permit Application & additional docs re: proposed CCW on Pleasure House Creek

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    Link to VMRC website for Application #20151622 CCW DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES, LLC

    Note: Due to timing of May 22nd ’17 CBPA Hearing Date and no presentation made by applicant to Shore Drive Community Coalition, SDCC has not taken a vote on what action to take in response to this proposal.

    First Public Presentation of CCW on Pleasure House Creek is this Thursday May 18th ’17 Bayfront Advisory Committee Meeting at Resort & Conference Center 2800 Shore Drive. Meeting starts at 3pm.

    “Virginia Beach plans to clear trees at a trailhead near the corner of Mystic Cove and Marlin Bay drives to make room for a 16-space parking lot, walkways and kayak launch.”

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    Recent press about the proposed parking lot in Pleasure House Point Natural Area.

    View article, photos and comment at Pilotonline.com:

    City officials told residents about the plan May 4 at the Ocean Park Civic League meeting. Ocean Park borders Pleasure House Point.

    Some residents think it’s hypocritical of the city to buy the land for conservation and then destroy part of it.

    Video at 13NewNow.com:

    Right now plans include a kayak launch, a pedestrian bridge, more trails, and of course the parking lot. Past drawings of the site included bathrooms and lights, but right now the city says the money just isn’t there. Julie Braley with Parks and Recreation says there are some misconceptions with the project.

    Learn more at SDCC.info/pleasure-house-point about Stakeholder Meetings, links to adopted Management Plan and more.

    This website is also a public record including documentation, news and more about Pleasure House Point since 2003.

    Pleasure House Point Mitigation plan to create wetlands includes parking lot on PHP.

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    Trees will be cut down on Pleasure House Point for the current plan that was presented this past Thursday at Ocean Park Civic League’s meeting in Brock.

    The $3M CIP is published here.

    Note: We’ve been trying to get all the detailed plans to share. Stay tuned.

    “I think we have been under the radar for years without a lot of attention,” Lundgren said of the frequent flooding on Lauderdale Avenue. “I don’t think people realize how severe the flooding is over here. We have been forgotten.”

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    View article at Pilotonline.com including more photos:

    When council votes on its budget Tuesday, it will likely vote to give $1 million more per year to address flooding issues. But the extra cash won’t go . . .

    “Are you seeking or have you already obtained permits from other Local, State or Federal agencies in conjunction with this application? If yes, please describe: Yes, VMRC, DEQ, & Army Corps of Engineers, Regional General Permit for non-tidal wetlands impact”

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    “Are you seeking or have you already obtained permits from other Local, State or Federal agencies in conjunction with this application?
    If yes, please describe: Yes, VMRC, DEQ, & Army Corps of Engineers, Regional General Permit for non-tidal wetlands impact”

    View & download 215-0033 Shore Drive_Commercial Site Plan (Revised 02-08-2017 Letter). (PDF)

    View and download WATER QUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (WQIA) FORM-0033 Shore Drive_WQIA (PDF)

    October 24th ’16 CCW Application for CBPA (11pg PDF)
    Note: this might not be accurate for May 22nd ’17 CBPA Hearing as their appears to be revised plans that are not yet available.

    Official Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board at VBGov.com.

    The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board agenda is listed for the upcoming public hearing as it becomes available, usually two to three weeks prior to hearing.

    Previously at SDCC.info.

    HEARING MAY 22nd 10am CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

      Virginia Beach Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 22, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers City Hall Bldg.

      The informal session to brief the Board will be held at 9:00 a.m. If you are physically disabled, visually impaired and need assistance at this meeting, please call the Planning Dept. at (757)385-4621.

    “New Sculpture to Welcome Visitors to the Rich History of Lynnhaven Inlet”

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    Learn more at VBGov.com about The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park:

    The Canoes, to be located on the southern pedestrian overlook heading east on the new Lesner Bridge on Shore Drive, will usher visitors into the beauty and history of the Chesapeake Bay area. The historic canoe as a medium for the sculpture creates an indelible tie to the waters surrounding it. The Canoes draws on the Bay Area of the 1600s, when seine fishing was a profitable trade on the Lynnhaven shoreline.

    More info about The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park at COVB City Page:

    The Canoes uses ten full-size aluminum canoes, stamped and punched with elaborate lace patterns, a nod to the decorative arts of the early settlers. The canoes are joined at the center in a stylized sunburst, balanced atop a tall arch. It will be lit in the evening by soft LED lights and features a seating area overlooking the bay.

    The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park

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    “What would be spectacular to see in any circumstance?”

    26′ wide by 46′ tall. LED lighting, possibly aircraft aluminum.

    Bayfront Advisory Committee and Public Art VB has been working on this.

    Now it’s up to you to help too!

    Get your fund raising thinking caps on.

    It’s spectacular.

    Mr. Lipski’s work at his website.

    SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday April 24th

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    Click here for a printable version of the agenda 4.24.17 SDCC Agenda

    SDCC General Meeting Agenda

    Monday April 24, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

    Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

    (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

      

    Special Presentation – No Special Presentation

    Officer’s Reports:  Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

    Old Business-

    Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update.  Developer plans to present to the Planning Commission as early as June.  The developer told Cape Story Civic Association that the dredge transfer land would be added to the proffer for unbuildable natural area to prevent it from being used as such.  City traffic studies supposedly show that traffic counts won’t be high enough and a potential for increased accidents prevent a stop light from being installed at N Great Neck and Lynnhaven Dr.

    Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Update on City’s plans for the test route.  City and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) are working on finalizing the bus stops and should have a brochure created soon.

    New Business –

    Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

    Road/Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive – VB Works (See-Click-Fix) has been used to identify possible improvement to pedestrian crossing at Red Tide and Shore Drive.  Better signage identifying pedestrian right of way when in crosswalk and confirmation of adequate operation of motion detection system were addressed.  

    City of Virginia Beach Bike and Trails Plan Input  – The City is asking for public input on this plan.  Residents can take an online survey and also provide comment using Virtual Town Hall.  Comments will be taken until April 30th.  So if you ride a bike or use sidewalks and trails, let the City hear your opinions.  Click here for City website links

    Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention.  This is an opportunity for all to share information.

     

    Next SDCC Meeting – Monday May 22, 2017

    (Please note the meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day)

    Boat mechanic airlifted with injuries from boat fire in Cape Henry Shores

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    News at WAVY.com.

    Firefighters were called to the 2100 block of E. Kendall Circle at 3:39 p.m.

    News at WTKR.com.

    After they left the scene crews were called back in minutes for the explosion, fire officials said.

    Photo credit: Courtesy of Virginia Beach Fire Department

    Coverage at Pilotonline.com.

    Shore Drive near First Landing State Park [was] closed until about 5pm.

    Photo Credit: Michael Schmitt

    13NewsNow coverage of new HRT Shuttle Route coming in May

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    View video at 13NewsNow.com.

    “You’d think you’d have a single bus you could just hop on and go to the Oceanfront,” said Todd Solomon with the Shore Drive Community Coalition. “In order to get there, you’ve got to take three different buses.”

    The rumor about Lesner Bridge budget cuts are true. Your voices were heard. 

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    (April Fools)

    Because of federal budget cuts rippling through to the state, a deal was made early this morning for COVB to keep some of the monies set aside to complete the Lesner Bridge. 


    One of the ideas is to study if it’s feasible to keep part of the old Lesner Bridge still standing as a public open space pier. 

    (Two engineers we’ve been speaking with feel it should be very doable.) 

    Ultimate plan would be for a public, private partnership to finance the maintenance & operation of Lesner Pier as it might be called. 


    The rest of the saved funds could go to other various projects like upgrading storm water improvements.