Category Archives: News

“What talents and qualities do you want to see in a new city manager? What past experiences or professional background should he or she have?”

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You have 20 days.

Ready? GO !

Visit VBGov.com Official Town Hall on the inter web now.

The City Council is conducting a nationwide search for a new city manager. Three town hall meetings will be held so City Council members can discuss the issue with constituents. This Virtual Town Hall is an effort to include people who cannot attend a meeting in person.

Business Avatars Set

Business Avatars Set

From VBGov.com press release:

Town Hall Meetings:
Sept. 16 – 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Sponsored by Councilmember John Moss.
Sept. 17 – 6:30 p.m. at Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Louis Jones and Councilmembers John Uhrin and Jim Wood.
Sept. 23 – 6:30 p.m. at the Kempsville High School cafeteria, 5194 Chief Trail. Sponsored by Councilmembers Ben Davenport, Bob Dyer, Shannon Kane and Amelia Ross-Hammond.
Sept. 24 – 6 p.m. at the Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Drive, Building 19. Sponsored by Councilmember Barbara Henley. This follows Henley’s regular monthly meeting for district residents that starts at 5 p.m.

“This project will provide a 4-ft wide paved shoulder for an on-road bike facility along both sides of Shore Drive from Diamond Springs Road to Greenwell Road, a distance of approximately 3.5 miles.”

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View the Official COVB CIP Project Status page.

In addition, Shore Drive will be milled and overlaid within the project limits.

Dia-Green-Bike

Current Status and Progress
Grant funding was secured for the project and we are waiting on the execution of the agreement. Construction is expected to begin October 2015.

“DVP Utility Work to Temporarily Close All Lanes on Shore Drive Early Tuesday Morning”

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Press Release from COVB:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:

August 31, 2015 
DVP Utility Work to Temporarily Close All Lanes on Shore Drive Early Tuesday Morning

Public Works has announced that traffic in all lanes will be stopped periodically between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, September 1, 2015, on Shore Drive near the intersection of Shore Drive and Ferry Road. 
The traffic stoppage will be due to Dominion Virginia Power removing electrical wiring from poles located on Shore Drive behind the apartments on Shore Drive. Each stoppage will take approximately 5 minutes, and all work should be completed by 5 a.m. 
DVP will have signs and police flaggers in place to assist with traffic. 
For questions or additional information, contact Diana Faison with Dominion Virginia Power, the contractors for this project, at (804) 771-6082, or diana.faison@dom.com.     
# # #

Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming SDCC Meeting Presentations

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We have two very interesting presentations scheduled for the next two SDCC general meetings.  So mark your calendars and I hope to see you there.  And remember, SDCC meetings are open to all, so spread the word and bring a friend.

Monday August 31st – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd., Mr. O’Neil Clarke, City of VB Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.

Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge.  Mr. Wilson, City of VB Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling. 

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Aug. 31st at 7:30pm – Special Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 8.31.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday August 31, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Program/Presentation – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd. Mr. Oneil Clarke, Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.

Officer’s Reports 

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

Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – City Staff has sent an official Policy Report to Council stating their intent to move forward with applying for the CRS program by late 2016. Public Works and Planning endorsed the policy and stated the necessary actions they will be taking over the next year to make this happen. They also informed Council that they will need to create/hire a new CRS coordinator for program oversight.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – SDCC has asked Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit for updates. Stay tuned and check www.sdcc.info for updates.

Storm Water Sluice Gates Project for Lynnhaven Colony and Cape Story – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Mike Bumbacco, stated that the project start has been delayed and the construction time increased. The contract is now scheduled to start Dec. 2015 and finish Dec 2016.

New Business –

Neighbor Dredging Program – June 2nd City Council briefing presented plans for the Dix Creek neighborhood. The alternate spoils transfer site recommended was the Crab Creek Municipal Wharf. This is the temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp currently being used for the Lesner Bridge replacement project that is contracted to be removed after the bridge is completed.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • Lynnhaven River Now Fall Festival – Sat. Sept. 19th, 11am to 3pm at Pleasure House Point and the CBF Brock Environmental Center. Fun and Family friendly events and activities.
  • CVB Public Libraries Community Conversations – Tues. Sept. 29th at 7pm in the Central Library. Help the VBPL plan their conversations for 2016 by discussing what are the most important issues and concerns for Virginia Beach.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.

“This general permit shall authorize the placement of certain specified sand fill, fiber logs, fiber mats, shell bags, and temporary grazing protection in tidal wetlands, landward of mean low water, to improve the growing conditions for wetland vegetation. The establishment of oysters and ribbed mussels may be incorporated into the project design.”

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New REGULATION: PERTAINING TO LIVING SHORELINE GROUP 1 GENERAL PERMIT FOR CERTAIN LIVING SHORELINE TREATMENTS INVOLVING TIDAL WETLANDS.

Read new permitting opportunity at Virginia Marine Resource Commission website:

4VAC 20-1300-10. Purpose.

The purpose of this general permit is to provide a streamlined permitting process as an incentive to encourage property owners to utilize a living shoreline approach as appropriate, to manage shoreline erosion, and promote the planting and growth of tidal wetland vegetation to restore or enhance ecosystem services. The techniques and conditions contained in this general permit are designed to limit the applicability of the permit to situations where the projects are most likely to be successful, and so as to limit the potential for adverse impacts on the environment and adjoining or nearby properties.

Approval under this general permit constitutes the Commission and or local wetlands board authorization required in accordance with §28.2-1306 of the Code of Virginia. This general permit shall not conflict with or obviate the need to comply with any other federal, state, or local permitting requirements or authorizations governing the proposed activity.

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“A man who led police on a high-speed chase near Chic’s Beach in May was sentenced to two years and six months in jail Wednesday.”

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It was IN Ocean Park. Always bizarre how reporters …

View story at 13NewsNow.com:

…
Driving while suspended/revoked 7th offense within 10 years
Possession of stolen plates
Felony hit and run on a marked State Police car …

Suspect's car

Suspect’s car

First post about the incident at SDCC.info here.

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – ““When are they going to install the first bridge segment?” That is the million dollar question that many are asking now that the assembly of the launching gantry is complete. The answer is…”

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August 12th 2015 update:

Enlightened Lesner Bridge Fans and Scholars:

As always, the summer seems to fly by much too fast. This has been a great one, so soak it up and enjoy the remaining time – I’m already looking forward to next summer, skeeters and all.

Despite the heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and the threat of lightning, Lesner Bridge Replacement Project Manager and bridge guru Chris Wojtowicz – “Mr. Bridge” to his bridge groupies – has sent me the latest in bridge project news and updates. Work at the bridge is picking up momentum and things are changing weekly. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out what is going on there, please do so. There’s no charge to watch, and it is really quite impressive.

Below is the latest collection of news and snappy photos. Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch this construction sequence animation, [please check it out at YouTube here].

As a reminder, 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 patience throughout this project. Enjoy these last dog days of summer weather, and stay safe.

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

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

“When are they going to install the first bridge segment?” That is the million dollar question that many are asking now that the assembly of the launching gantry is complete. The answer is . . . . sometime the week of August 17th. The gantry is currently being load tested and certified for lifting the bridge segments and should be ready to pick the first bridge segment next week.

All of the bridge segments for the first span have been delivered to the project site and are being stored in the laydown yard behind the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps. You can see some of them from the Construction Camera. They are located on the extreme right of the frame beneath the unloader gantry crane and behind the field offices. McLean will transport these segments from the laydown yard to the beach beneath the launching gantry once load testing and certification is complete. From the Construction Sequence Animation you will see that McLean will first set the segment on the bridge abutment and then set the two pier segments at Pier #1.

Once these segments are anchored in place, the launching gantry will lift all the remaining segments for the span into position. One by one, each segment face will get a coating of epoxy and then be pulled together using temporary post-tensioning bars. The span will be complete once all of the permanent post tensioning tendons (10 total; six 27-strand and four 19-strand) for span one of the bridge are installed, post-tensioned, and grouted. The launching gantry will then move to span 2.

19-Strand Grouted Tendon Cross Section

19-Strand Grouted Tendon Cross Section

Foundation work continues ahead of the launching gantry and segment installation preparation. Reinforcing steel is currently being placed for the footing at Pier 4 in preparation for concrete placement this Friday August 14th. The seal slab for Pier #5 has been poured and is currently curing. All of the drilled shaft foundations for Piers 6 and 7 have been installed. Drilled shaft installation at Pier 8 continues this week and is expected to be completed by August 20th.

The first of three concrete pours at Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn property) took place on August 3rd. The second concrete placement at Abutment B will take place this Friday, August 14th. The contractor has also completed the installation of the top coping along the entire length of the MSE retaining wall next to 3556 On The Bay condominiums, and has also begun applying the bridge coating material on the MSE wall panels.

Reinforcing Steel Being Placed in the Footing at Pier 4

Reinforcing Steel Being Placed in the Footing at Pier 4

For those of you who are curious about what the handrail on the new bridge will look like, a full scale mock-up of a typical rail panel was fabricated and assembled in the laydown area (see photo below). This railing is a custom rail fabricated out of aluminum and is powder coated blue. The rail is 42-inches high and will be installed across the new bridge and on top of the MSE retaining walls.

Pedestrian Handrail Mock-up.

Pedestrian Handrail Mock-up.

AMI, Inc in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 64 of the 177 bridge segments have been cast and is enough to complete 4 of the 10 spans in the westbound bridge.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Begin placing bridge segments in span 1 of 10

Ø Install the column for Pier #4;

Ø Mobilize the seal slab for Pier #5;

Ø Complete the drilled foundation work at Pier #8;

Ø Begin drilling the foundations for the last bridge pier; Pier #9

Ø Complete construction of Abutment B;

Ø Complete the coating of MSE wall #1

Now get ready to see the launching gantry lift some bridge segments . . . it really IS something!

Keep watching and drive safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

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

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

Monday July 27th @ 7:30pm – SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday July 27, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Program/Presentation – No Presentations for August.

However, please mark your calendars for these upcoming presentations:

  • August 31st – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd. Mr. Clarke, Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell.
  • September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.

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

Old Business–

Bishard Development Approved – City Council approved the development on the old Baylake Pines school (between Citgo and Leaping Lizard). 30 homes and 1 commercial building. 8 homes can have a 12 foot individual pier into Lake Joyce.

NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC has sent support letter to City. The City Manager is reviewing staff’s proposal. SDCC will post updates on our website and ask for community support if required.

New Business –

Bay Beach Grooming – Mark Johnson, City Public Works, is responsible for scheduling. He can be reached at 385-1470 or MAJohnso@vbgov.com Believe it or not, but the following paragraph was part of the 2002 Beach Management Plan (last plan the City created) and still no dedicated funding stream.

“Routine beach grooming is limited to the Resort Area. We recommend its expansion to all beaches. All non-resort area beaches should be groomed at least weekly during the summer months, immediately prior to summer holidays, and after major storm events to remove seaweed, storm debris and reshape the beach. To accomplish this objective, additional resources need to be created or contracted for non-resort area beaches.”

Marine Enforcement Contact – Call the Virginia Marine Police at (800) 541-4646 to enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents and conduct educational programs

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Final results of survey have been posted on www.sdcc.info and sent to Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit. Thank you to all that took the time to voice your opinions.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others? 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 31, 2015

385 Survey Takers Provided Input on a Proposed Shore Drive – Oceanfront Trolley

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In an effort to help the City of Virginia Beach and the Bayfront Advisory Commission research the possibility of a Shore Drive – Oceanfront trolley, the SDCC ran a one month online survey.  385 survey takers provided valuable input as to why and why they wouldn’t use the service.  The results are posted below and have been shared with the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the City of Virginia Beach Staff, City Councilmen Jones, Wood and Uhrin and Hampton Roads Transit.  Thank you to everyone for taking the time to provide your opinions.

Q4 image

Click on the image to read

Click on the documents below to read:

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “NO, that big yellow and blue structure being erected now is NOT part of the bridge.”

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July 16th 2015 update:

Esteemed Lesner Bridge Fans and Followers:

Hope everyone is enjoying the season of hot weather, cold drinks, baseball and lots of beach and vacation time. Soak it up and savor the summer days that come with living in our little corner of paradise!

Progress on the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project is moving onward, and you can see the progress almost on a daily basis.

Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and snappy photos – updated for your reading pleasure – from pretty face Chris Wojtowicz, project manager and captain of our “launching gantry crane.” We offer compelling reading in this update, so please add this page turner to your paperbacks and magazines for your pool and beach reading.

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.

As a reminder, 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 patience throughout this project.

Enjoy the summer weather, keep zapping those skeeters . . . AND STAY COOL AND SAFE!

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:

Before we get started on all details of the most current bridge construction progress – let us answer one question that everyone has been asking: NO, that big yellow and blue structure being erected now is NOT part of the bridge.

This structure is actually a launching gantry crane that will be used to set the segments for each span of the new bridge. You can see how this equipment will be used in the Lesner Bridge Construction Sequence Animation The elevation of the new bridge deck will be about where the feet on the blue gantry roller supports now rest. This equipment is very unique and is manufactured by Deal who designs and builds this specialty equipment for bridge construction now being done all over the world. Please check out their website for more information.

Now for the progress update on the bridge construction.

The segment launcher and gantry crane continues to be assembled between bridge piers 1 and 2 and is expected to be completed in approximately 3 weeks. Since the last update, crews have completed the construction of the footing and column for pier #3, finished the drilling of all shafts at pier #7, mobilized material and equipment to pier #6 for drilled shaft installation, and have installed all of the piles for Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn site) of the new WB bridge.

Completed Bridge Column and Footing at Pier 3 (formwork to be removed at a later date)

Completed Bridge Column and Footing at Pier 3 (formwork to be removed at a later date)

Seal Slab and Footing Formwork Being Assembled and Readied for Placement at Pier 4.

Seal Slab and Footing Formwork Being Assembled and Readied for Placement at Pier 4.

The assembly of the unloader gantry next to the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps was also completed since the last update. With the completion of the unloader gantry, completed bridge segments have begun arriving at the construction site with a total of 10 delivered to date. Once the segment launching gantry is completed, these delivered segments will be moved to the beach beneath the launching gantry and then be lifted into place. It is expected that the first segments for bridge span 1 will be lifted into place sometime during the first week of August 2015.

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Area

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Area

AMI, Inc in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 59 of the 177 bridge segments have been cast and is enough to complete 3 of the 10 spans in the westbound bridge. The pre-casting of span 4 of the bridge is also nearly complete with only 6 segments remaining to be cast to complete the span.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Complete the footing construction for Pier #4;

Ø Complete drilled shaft installation at Pier #6;

Ø Mobilize material and equipment to Pier #8;

Ø Begin formwork installation for Abutment B;

Ø Install concrete finish coping along the top of the MSE wall next to 3556 On The Bay Condominiums;

Ø Complete wooden fender installation at the wharf next to the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Area

That’s it for now.

Drive Safely!

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

Screen Shot of Construction Cam photo taken 2015-07-17 at 8.05.17 AM

Screen Shot of Construction Cam photo taken 2015-07-17 at 8.05.17 AM

One photo of the pre-cast #LESNERBRIDGE segments being delivered

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More news about #LESNERBRIDGE at SDCC.info’s page.

Win a prize if you can tell us how many bridge segments there are.

Lynnhaven Inlet Jetties Public Scoping Meeting July 22nd 6-8pm at Cox High School Auditorium

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LynnInletJettyPubMtg

Previously at SDCC.info.

Each year, the Lynnhaven Inlet, located on the Chesapeake Bay within the city of Virginia Beach, Va., requires annual dredging of dangerous shoaling and full maintenance-dredging about every three years.

Community Fireworks have been postponed for Ocean Park, Chics Beach, Baylake Pines New date: Sunday July 5, 9:15PM

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View news here.

Due to a threatening forecast of thunderstorms…

Have you donated for the Fireworks yet? Start here:

OPCL-FireworksDonateButton-2

Contact Virginia Marine Police for Marine Violations and Emergencies

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At tonight’s SDCC meeting a member asked who should be contacted to report illegal crabbing on the Bay.  The following may help with this issue as well as other marine violations or emergencies.

Virginia Marine Police check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents or conducting educational programs.  They also conduct search and rescue operations, enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, investigate boating accidents and criminal activity, and provide counter-terrorism patrols to our military installations, shipyards, nuclear power plants, and other high-value maritime assets.

For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646.

For more information, check out the Virginia Marine Police website by clicking here

Upcoming SDCC Meeting – Point Chesapeake Update & Interim Trolley Service Survey Results

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Join Us Monday June 29th at 7:30pm to learn/talk about the following topics:

  • Point Chesapeake Update – Mr. Tuck Bowie of The Terry Peterson Companies will talk to us and answer questions regarding the Point Chesapeake development planned for the old Duck-In property.

  • Proposed Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Service – Interim survey results will be presented and discussed.  Time permitting an Issues Framing session will also be held to identify any information that the survey may have missed.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday June 29th @ 7:30pm

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 Click Here for a Printable Version of the Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday June 29, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Program/Presentation – Mr. Tuck Bowie, President of The Terry Peterson Companies, will provide an update on the Point Chesapeake development project located on the old Duck-In property.  

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

Old Business–

Bishard Development Update – City Council’s June 2nd meeting on proposed development between Citgo and Leaping Lizard.

NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC voted at May meeting to support the CRS program for Virginia Beach. City staff is working on the policy and City Managers are reviewing. This program has possibility to reduce flood insurance policy costs by 10% or 15%.

New Business –

Pedestrian Crossing Improvement near OPVRS – City Traffic Engineers plan to improve pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford/Roanoke Ave.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Interim survey results.  Time permitting, we will also hold an Issues Framing session to talk about advantages/disadvantages of this proposed service.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?   

Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities –

  • July 4th Fireworks Shows – Ocean Park Barge Show west of Lesner Bridge. Cape Story Show at First Landing State Park east of Lesner Bridge. 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 27, 2015

#LESNERBRIGE update from Project Manager – “Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and snappy photos – updated for your reading pleasure – from Chris Wojtowicz, infamous engineer and project manager. Please add this to your paperbacks and magazines for great reading while on the beach.”

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We couldn’t agree more!

As a matter of fact, if you haven’t experienced Mr. Chris Wojo… (we can’t pronounce it either) presentation on the Lesner, you’re in luck!

This coming Saturday June 20th 9am at Dockside he will be offering his very entertaining update which includes a lively Q&A. It’s for Lynnhaven Colony’s Civic League Meeting and the public is welcomed to attend.

We strongly encourage you to do so.

On to the …

June 17th 2015 update:

Bridge Lovers and Other Folks:

Put those thoughts of snow plows and sand and salt on the road while a cold wind whips off the bay out of your mind . . . . . and just enjoy this heat! Soak it up and savor the summer days living in Virginia Beach.

Progress on the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project is moving onward, and you can see the progress almost on a daily basis.

Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and snappy photos – updated for your reading pleasure – from Chris Wojtowicz, infamous engineer and project manager. Please add this to your paperbacks and magazines for great reading while on the beach.

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.

As a reminder, 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 patience throughout this project.

Enjoy the summer weather, avoid the skeeters . . . AND STAY COOL AND SAFE!

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

“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it” – Russell Baker

The heat is on – and not just the temperature. With lost work days during this past winter McLean Contracting is re-sequencing work, adding more resources to the project (can we fit any more cranes in the Lynnhaven?), and working weekends to make up for the lost days on the schedule. Their efforts to make up the lost time are certainly having a positive impact on the construction of the new westbound Lesner Bridge.

Temporary Trestle, Support Barges, and Cranes working concurrently on piers 3, 5, and 7.

Temporary Trestle, Support Barges, and Cranes working concurrently on piers 3, 5, and 7.

Temporary Trestle, Support Barges, and Cranes working concurrently on piers 3, 5, and 7.

As the segment launcher (gantry crane) comes together between piers 1 and 2 of the new westbound bridge, the casting yard is preparing the completed bridge segments for shipment. A total of 49 of the 177 bridge segments have been cast and is enough to complete 3 of the 10 spans in the westbound bridge. The first bridge segment to be placed will be the expansion joint segment. This segment will be installed on Abutment “A” near 3556 On the Bay condominiums and will likely take place the first week of August 2015. Remember to check out the Lesner Bridge Construction Sequence Animation on YouTube!

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA

While the segment launcher is being assembled, crews will be busy placing the reinforcing steel for the concrete cap in Pier 3 which is expected to be poured this week. Additionally, drilling crews have completed installing all of the drilled shafts for Piers 4 and 5 and are on track to complete the shafts for Pier 7 later this week before moving on to Pier 6. At the same time, a separate foundation crew has begun driving the steel pile foundation for Abutment B of the new westbound Lesner Bridge (next to the Point Chesapeake property).

Placement of Reinforcing Steel for the concrete cap at Pier 3

Placement of Reinforcing Steel for the concrete cap at Pier 3

Placement of Reinforcing Steel for the concrete cap at Pier 3

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will;

Ø Mobilize the utility barges and drilling equipment to Pier #6;

Ø Complete pile installation at Abutment B;

Ø Complete assembly of the second gantry crane at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site;

Ø Continue casting segments for bridge span #4;

That’s it for now. Keep Cool and Drive Safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

Screen shot of Construction Cam photo taken on June 18, 2015 @ 600a

Screen shot of Construction Cam photo taken on June 18, 2015 @ 600a

Lesner Bridge Presentation Sat. June 20th, 9am at Dockside Restaurant

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Lynnhaven Colony Civic League is hosting a talk plus Q & A  on current / future updates on the Lesner Bridge.  Mr. Chris Wojtowicz, City of VB Project Manager, will be the guest speaker.  The session will be held this coming Saturday, June 20,  9:00 a.m. at Dockside Restaurant on Vista Circle.

For those of us that live and drive over the bridge we need to be aware of upcoming lane changes, open walking areas and bike routes.

Guests are welcome.

 

“Dolphin tours canceled in Virginia Beach after guide spots 9-foot bull shark”

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Kayak tours at Northend were canceled.

Might want to be aware.

News including video at WTKR.com.

approach