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 . . .
Category Archives: Photos
#LESNERBRIDGE update includes more about The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park
Update from email includes the comedy you expect:
Bridge Insiders:
Kingfish is bubbling over with all kinds of news, including the latest on the sculpture for the bridge that was just announced (picture included) and the latest inside scoop on falsework: “ . . . falsework is being constructed as a mirror image of the temporary steel falsework that the yellow gantry is now supported on and located on the north side of the bridge. Once this falsework is complete, plans will be made to place two steel girders across Shore Drive (and the new bridge) to connect both sets of falsework.”
If you’re a “falsework” junkie, you’re about to fall in love . . . .
As always, there are a lot of good things going with the project now, and you get the first peek. We appreciate your questions and e-mails, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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.
As I said, feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.
Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. So . . . stay drive, 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 Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353
Folks:
Foundation work for the new eastbound Lesner Bridge is progressing as scheduled and the contractor is now installing the drilled shaft foundations in Pier #3, the first water pier for the eastbound bridge.
But before we get into the details of the bridge construction, I want to point out one feature of the eastbound bridge that is not present in the westbound bridge – the Scenic Overlook. This overlook will be located on the southwest side of the bridge right across from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps.
Scenic Overlook Area Located on the Southwest side of the New Eastbound Lesner Bridge
The plans show that a cast-in-place concrete planter was to be built within this Scenic Overlook; however, in lieu of this planter the Public Art Virginia Beach Foundation has worked with renowned artist, Donald Lipski, and private donors to provide a unique one-of-a-kind signature sculpture known at The Canoes. This work was presented last Thursday by Mr. Lipski at the Bayfront Advisory Commission meeting. Additional information can be found on the City of Virginia Beach website in the News Center.
Proposed Sculpture THE CANOES by Donald Lipski
Back to bridge construction!
As mentioned earlier, foundation work for the new eastbound bridge is progressing well. Only one more concrete pour remains for the completion of bridge Abutment A (west side of Lynnhaven Inlet), all of the drilled shafts have been installed for bridge piers 1 and 2 and two of the five drilled shafts have already been completed for pier 3.
Multiple activities are occurring concurrently. As the drilled shafts are being installed, McLean is continuing to install temporary trestle towards the pier 4 location. Footing preparations for pier 1 are ongoing and the construction of the pipe pile falsework between Abutment A and pier 1 is well underway. This falsework is being constructed as a mirror image of the temporary steel falsework that the yellow gantry is now supported on and located on the north side of the bridge. Once this falsework is complete, plans will be made to place two steel girders across Shore Drive (and the new bridge) to connect both sets of falsework. The gantry will then be winched across Shore Drive from north to south and put into position to begin erecting the superstructure of the new eastbound bridge. Stay tuned as more details of this move become available.
Demolition of the old bridges also continues. The deep main span footings (pier 14 and 15 of the old bridges) are currently being cut and removed from the Lynnhaven Inlet. Most of the accessible piles located west of Federal Channel have been removed. The remaining superstructure of the old bridges located east of the Federal Channel has already been sawcut and is ready for demolition after the gantry is moved.
AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 123 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;
· Install the remaining drilled shaft foundations at Pier #3;
· Install the concrete seal slab at Pier #4;
· 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 foundation on the southeast corner of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street;
· Continue installation of the steel falsework between Abutment A and Pier #1 to support the segment assembly gantry crane
· Grade and place the reinforcing steel for the footing at Pier #1
That’s it for now. Please drive safely!
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
“The designs carved into the canoes take inspiration from the time of the early settlers, including prints on fabrics such as John Smith’s tunic, Lipski said.”
More coverage of The Canoes at Lesner Bridge in Ocean Park.
Check out Pilotonline.com for more.
The foundation still needs to raise about $100,000 of the $350,000 contract and is accepting donations through its website: vbpublicart.org.
“New Sculpture to Welcome Visitors to the Rich History of Lynnhaven Inlet”
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
“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.
Boat mechanic airlifted with injuries from boat fire in Cape Henry Shores
Firefighters were called to the 2100 block of E. Kendall Circle at 3:39 p.m.
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
Shore Drive near First Landing State Park [was] closed until about 5pm.
Photo Credit: Michael Schmitt
#LESNERBRIDGE update: “…not waiting for the old bridges to be completely removed before beginning construction of the new bridge.”
Pulled from official website page at VBGov.com:
April 6, 2017 Update
To All:Since the last project update in December much has changed on the Lesner Bridge crossing Lynnhaven Inlet! On the evening of January 17th, 2017 the eastbound lanes of Shore Drive traffic were switched over to the new westbound Lesner Bridge thus completing Phase 3 of 5 on the project and preparing the way for the demolition of the old Lesner Bridges and the construction of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge. Demolition of both old bridges began on January 25th, 2017 and continues today. Contrary to what some folks believed, NO BLASTING will be used to in the demolition of the old bridges. In fact, the decks of the bridges have been strategically cut to allow each beam of each span to be removed individually. Most of the removed beams with attached deck will be transferred to barges for disposal at Cabbage Patch Reef located off the shoreline of Kiptopeke State Park. Some of the removed degraded beams were chosen by Virginia Tech to be saved and transported to Blacksburg for strength testing – but that is another story. The remaining piles of the bridge are cut off 4-feet below the ground surface if they are on land or are vibrated out if they are located within the water.
Center Steel Spans of the Old Lesner Bridges Removed
Pile Removal from Old Lesner Bridge
Cabbage Patch Reef Located in the Chesapeake Bay
Barge Loaded with Beam and Deck Sections of the Old Lesner Bridge
We are not waiting for the old bridges to be completely removed before beginning construction of the new bridge. All of the foundation piles from bridge abutment A (west side of the Lynnhaven) have been installed and the first of three concrete pours for the footing was completed on 3/28/2017. The four drilled shaft foundations for Pier column #1 were completed today, March 30th and over the weekend crews will move drilling equipment over to the cofferdam already installed for Pier column #2.Completed Footing Base at Abutment A
In summary, the following work has been completed since the last project update (12/21/2016):
All Shore Drive traffic moved to the new westbound Lesner Bridge;
Approximately 40% of the old Lesner Bridges have been demolished;
All wick drains located at both bridge abutments have been installed;
All of the remaining piles for Abutment A have been driven;
The footing for Abutment A has been completed;
The steel reinforcing for the segment pedestal and backwall at Abutment A has been installed;
All four drilled shafts for Pier Column #1 have been installed;
Retaining walls for new sidewalk installed along the southeast corner of East Stratford Street and Shore Drive.
AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 102 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;
Install the drilled shaft foundations at Pier #2;
Complete the construction of Abutment A;
Continue filling and grading operations at the new bridge abutments;
Install the new traffic signal pole and foundation on the southeast corner of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street;
Begin excavation for the leveling pad of the new MSE wall along the south side of Shore Drive between East Stratford Street and the new bridge;
Begin installation of the steel falsework between Abutment A and Pier #1 to support the segment assembly gantry crane.That’s it for now. Please drive safely!
-Chris
The rumor about Lesner Bridge budget cuts are true. Your voices were heard.
(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.
“How can we make walking and biking better in Virginia Beach?”
Let’s do it again Shore Drive!
(Remember: you MUST sign in to have your voice heard. You do NOT need to share your name publicly. “Off Forum” comments are “not counted”.)
Start short survey here at VBGov.com’s Virtual Townhall:
Residents have expressed interest in improving alternatives for people who wish to navigate the city without an automobile. But walking and biking around some areas of Virginia Beach can be difficult. The city is reaching out to citizens for input on how we can make it better.
Article & photos of old #LESNERBRIDGE
Another article & photos here also at Pilotonline.com today.
2nd photo from construction cam capturing blizzard of March 3rd ’17.
Governor McAuliffe Announces Updates to Virginia Flood Risk Information System
The new VFRIS was developed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the agency responsible for the state floodplain management program.
“Flooding is the most common natural disaster our we experience in the Commonwealth, and our Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore communities are particularly at risk for severe damages caused by recurrent flooding.” said Governor McAuliffe. “It is my hope that VFRIS becomes a mainstay for homeowners, businesses, and communities going forward. March begins Flood Safety Awareness Month and I encourage all Virginians to access VFRIS to see how a flood might affect their home or business.”
View Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) info:
Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) is a collaboration between DCR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management. VFRIS helps communities, real estate agents, property buyers and property owners discern an area’s flood risk.
Click screen shot to Launch VFRIS
“Westbound traffic on the Lesner Bridge will be reduced to one lane at Shore Drive and Page Avenue tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 31, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m….”
From Bayfront Advisory Committee email:
“. . .said Christopher J. Wojtowicz, project manager for the bridge replacement. The outside, right lane, will be closed while repairs are made to a shock-absorber-like “impact attenuator” that had been hit and to fix the concrete collar around one of the drainage inlets in that lane closest to the sidewalk. Plans call for the work to be completed and the lane reopened no later than 3 p.m.”
Screen shot of construction cam at 100pm January 30th 2017.
“I wanted to give back to my community and bring people together through a collaborative project that everyone could enjoy,” she said.
Check out article at Pilotonline.com.
Photo courtesy of Michaella Lynch
“Council Extends Deadline for Waiver of Permit Fees for Disaster Repairs People now have until April 10, 2017 to get permits for repairs related to Hurricane Matthew.”
“Homeowners are just now receiving funds from their insurance companies and FEMA, so they needed more time to apply for permits and hire contractors to help with home repairs,” said Barry Frankenfield, director of Planning & Community Development. “We want to make it a little bit easier for property owners to get necessary repairs completed properly and safely. This extension will help homeowners continue to recover from damages caused by Hurricane Matthew.”
Click graphic to visit news page
“Live Oak Grove is over 100 live oaks on 3 acres of open space in Virginia Beach. Let’s permanently preserve it.” SDCC agrees.
SDCC voted unanimously to support permanently preserving Live Oak Grove. Join us ?
Live Oak Grove benefits Virginia Beach.
It is land already owned by City of Virginia Beach.
It contains over 100 live oaks, the Official City Tree…
Photo Credit: Kristina Bezanson
#LESNERBRIDGE update: “…traffic switch is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday December 29th. As always, this schedule is dependent upon the weather, as well as when …”
Email December 21st 2016:
Friends, Residents, Elves and Everything in Between (not that I want to know what THAT is!)
Despite being knee-deep in Christmas shopping and wrapping, not to mention going through egg nog like it’s water, Kingfish Chris, the bridgemaster, has passed along an update about the always interesting Lesner Bridge. And although it’s a bit uncomfortable trying to sit down and type this in an elf costume, I’m doing so because feel sure you would like to have this info before we get too deep into the holiday spirit.
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.
Our last bit of advice: If someone approaches you claiming to be one of Santa’s elves, ask to see some ID. It could be one of those punks over at Keebler trying to pull a fast one!
Thanks to you all for your support, patience and questions. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends, and please 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 Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353*********************************************************************************************
To All:
As many of you have seen, a lot of work has been going on at the intersections of Shore Drive/Vista Circle and Shore Drive/East Stratford Street in preparation for the Phase 4 traffic switch of eastbound Shore Drive traffic over to the new bridge. So, before we all head off into the long holiday break, we wanted to provide you this brief project update of what to expect at the Lesner Bridge over the next few weeks.
First of all, the traffic switch is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday December 29th. As always, this schedule is dependent upon the weather, as well as when the paving contractor can be at the site to place the temporary asphalt at the widened bridge approaches.
In addition, pedestrians can now use both the new westbound Lesner Bridge AND the existing sidewalk on the eastbound Lesner Bridge to cross the Lynnhaven River.
On Tuesday, January 3rd (2017), the sidewalk on the existing eastbound Lesner Bridge will be CLOSED in preparation for bridge demolition. This means that pedestrians wishing to cross over the Lynnhaven Inlet will have to use the temporary pedestrian path located on the north side of the new westbound Lesner Bridge between Page Avenue and East Stratford Street. The 4-foot wide temporary path might feel a little cramped between the new handrail and the safety screening. Don’t worry . . . . the finished path will be widened to 10 feet at the completion of the project and the temporary safety screening will be removed to provide much more room for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably share this pathway.
Cross-Section of Completed Westbound and Eastbound Lesner Bridges
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday!
– 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
Screen shot construction cam from Dec 21 2016 430p.
“Virginia Beach floats idea to use light rail money to pay for $464M in stormwater projects”
One idea presented by budget staff is to use $7.3 million of the $27.3 million light rail fund to jump-start paying for some of the drainage projects. In addition, 1.8 cents of the real estate tax rate that is going toward light rail could be redirected to pay for stormwater improvements.
That would require City Council approval.
Mazda racing down Shore Drive at ~ 90MPH + flips and crashes in front of Chesapeake House. Driver flees scene.
Happened last night, Monday, about 855pm.
We were going to link to news coverage but there is none. (You can read that sentence again.)
Unbelievably no one was hurt. No idea the condition of the driver for this post.
Driver still not apprehended:
The description was a white male, shaved head wearing a black jacket with writing or a picture on the back.
Photo credit: Ocean Park Facebook Page thread on accident
Photo credit: Ocean Park Facebook Page thread on accident
Photo credit: Ocean Park Facebook Page thread on accident
#LESNERBRIDGE traffic news for this week from Project Manager
Email December 5th 2016:
Folks:
With all of the new lane closures coming up, we wanted to provide another update so everyone will know what is going on out there . . . traffic-wise . . . throughout the week.
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.
Thanks again.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353************************************************************
To All:
We know that traffic on Shore Drive in the vicinity of Lesner Bridge has been a challenging at times this week. We all appreciate your patience as we continue with the median work in preparation for moving the eastbound Shore Drive traffic onto the new bridge. Our current traffic move date for this eastbound traffic is December 21, 2016.
LEFT TURN LANE closures and LEFT THRU lane closures on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will continue into next week. So, in order to help you plan your daily commute, here is what to expect the traffic condition to look like on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge beginning TODAY, Monday, December 5th:
Monday, December 5th, 2016: The LEFT THRU lane on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm;
Tuesday, December 6th, 2016: The LEFT TURN lane on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle (to get to Page Avenue) will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM;
Wednesday, December 7th, 2016: The LEFT TURN lane on eastbound Shore Drive at East Stratford Street will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
In addition, it is possible that depending on where the actual water line is located, the eastbound LEFT THRU lane on Shore Drive at East Stratford Street may also be CLOSED during this same time period.
Thursday, December 8th, 2016: The LEFT THRU lane on eastbound Shore Drive at East Stratford Street will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Phase 4 Pavement Widening on the West Side of the New Lesner Bridge
Phase 4 Pavement Widening on the East Side of the New Lesner Bridge
Again, thank you for your patience during this difficult phase of changing traffic patterns. If all goes as planned, we’ll all be celebrating more than the New Year on January 1st!
Please 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
#LESNERBRIDGE update – Additional updates will be sent out as this work progresses and we move closer to the switchover date for the eastbound Shore Drive traffic. Please be patient and drive safely through this active construction zone!
Email update November 29,2016:
Bridge Groupies and Fans of the Kingfish:
Just a quick update from the Bridge Guru – Chris W, project manager – that explains yesterday’s lane closure and a few other details. Using that smooth, chatty, engineer style of conversing that he is known for, Cap’n Chris explains what is going on this week at your nearby friendly bridge structure. Just facts, no laughs. Parse and ponder each word . . . . .
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 interest and patience throughout this project. So . . . enjoy this time of the year as you prepare for the holidays . . . . 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 Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353**********************************************************************************************
To All:
The first phase of the two-phased traffic switch over to the new westbound Lesner Bridge took place on Friday, November 11th, when we moved the westbound Shore Drive traffic over to the new bridge. The second phase will involve temporarily moving the eastbound Shore Drive traffic also over to the new westbound bridge. Once we move all traffic off of both old bridges we will begin the demolition process in preparation for construction of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge.
In order to move the eastbound Shore Drive traffic to the new bridge, we have to widen the pavement on the new bridge approaches and build the pavement transitions at the Shore Drive/East Stratford Street and Shore Drive/Vista Circle intersections.
This work will require single lane closures on eastbound Shore Drive for the next several weeks. Beginning yesterday (Monday), and continuing through this Friday, December 2nd, a single lane closure will be in place on eastbound Shore Drive between Dupont Circle and Lesner Bridge between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Once this switch is made traffic will remain in this temporary condition until the new eastbound bridge is built. The following snapshots from the contract plans show what drivers can expect these temporary traffic lanes to look like at these two intersections:
Phase 4 Temporary Traffic Pattern at Shore Drive and East Stratford Street
Phase 4 Temporary Traffic Pattern at Shore Drive and Vista Circle
Additional updates will be sent out as this work progresses and me move closer to the switchover date for the eastbound Shore Drive traffic.
Please be patient and drive safely through this active construction zone!
– 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
Screen shot of Construction Cam westbound view taken 930am November 29th 2016
#WeLoveShoreDrive 
