Category Archives: Quality of Life

“Provide pedestrian crosswalks and other pedestrian accomodations at the intersection of Shore Drive and Stratford Street near the Shore Drive Volunteer Fire Department. A new traffic signal with pedestrian crossing signals will be installed as part of the project.”

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Hooray!

View the CIP at City of Virginia Beach, VA Public Works Capital Project Detail Sheet 2.300.119: Shore Dr and Stratford Intersection Improvement

Construction of these improvements is scheduled to take place starting in January 2017 and be complete by July 2017.

Info from an unedited email from Project Manager Chris W.:

The design contract for the Shore Drive and Stratford Intersection Improvement (CIP 2.300.119) has been negotiated and is currently in our Contracts Department for processing (submitted 2/3/2016). We expect an executed Work Order by 3/1/2016.

The improvements to this intersection will include a new traffic signal (black mast arms and poles), pedestrian crossing signals, stamped asphalt crosswalks, additional sidewalk, new curb & gutter, and a new asphalt overlay in the intersection with thermoplastic pavement markings. The design effort will kick off in March 2016 with the start of survey and buried utility designation.

The 30% plans will be provided to us in May 2016. The 100% plans are scheduled to be completed by August 2016. There will likely need to be some utility relocation and property acquisition (1 parcel located on the NE corner of the intersection), but we will not know for sure until the 100% plans are complete.

If we do need utility relocation and property acquisition, this will take place between August 2016 and December 2016. Construction of these improvements is scheduled to take place starting in January 2017 and be complete by July 2017. The total project cost which includes the engineering, property acquisition, utility relocation, construction, and landscaping is estimated to be $530,000. The engineering firm that we are using is Parsons Brinckerhoff and the Construction Contractor will likely be Asphalts Roads (holder of the City’s current annual service contract for miscellaneous construction).

Photo from March 2015

Photo from March 2015

Special thanks to Vice Mayor Jones and everyone else who helped improve safety on Shore Drive!

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “Wind is the other constraint that we have in operating the gantry crane and it cannot be operated when the wind is gusting above 30 MPH….”

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February 9th 2016 update:

Lesner Bridge Aficionados and Engineering Observers:

Through the freezing temperatures, the mixture of rain, snow and sleet, and the blustery winds blowing off the Bay that make this a true winter garden spot in the South – and with Christmas Eve with temps in the 80’s a distant memory – crews have persevered and continued to move along on the Lesner Bridge Replacement project. Exactly how and what is better explained by the project manager and a favorite of bridge groupies everywhere – Chris Wojtowicz.

So, to be really informed, keep scrolling down and read the informative update that Chris has supplied us while freezing his . . . cheeks off . . . . on the bridge project site.

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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVkeFJWm85s&feature=youtu.be

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. Please be careful during these icy times and if you happen to be riding by the site and see Chris freezing out there, stop and pet him on the head and give him something hot to drink. He’ll be your friend for life!

Stay warm!

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:

As winter begins to remake its cold presence felt, the bridge contractor is about to reach mid-span of the new westbound Lesner Bridge. But before we discuss the upcoming work, I want to mention what has been completed since the December update:

Ø Span 3 (of 10) of the new westbound Lesner Bridge was completed in early January 2016;

Ø The gantry crane has been launched to span 4 and is currently being loaded with the pre-cast concrete segments for span 4;

Ø The footings and columns for piers 5 and 6 have been completed;

Ø The footing for pier 7 has been completed;

Ø We completed segment casting for spans 5 and 6;

Ø The 36-inch storm drain that crossed Cape Henry Drive in the area located just east of Bubba’s Restaurant was installed;

Ø The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall located along the former Duck Inn property was completed; and

Ø We completed conduit and duct installation on the east side of the bridge behind Abutment B.

Completed Spans 1, 2, and 3 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Spans 1, 2, and 3 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

The wet, cool, and windy weather is slowing our progress since we need the mating surfaces of the concrete segments to be dry and at or above 40° F in order for us to apply the water sealing epoxy prior to joining the segments together.

Wind is the other constraint that we have in operating the gantry crane and it cannot be operated when the wind is gusting above 30 MPH. Winter work next to Chesapeake Bay and over Lynnhaven Inlet has been a challenge for us these last several weeks. Span 4 of the new westbound bridge was scheduled to be completed by 1/20/2016, but the various winter weather events and the upcoming cold and windy forecast have caused that schedule to slip at least until 2/19/2016. Considering this current delay, the new westbound bridge is now expected to be complete by August 2016, and the traffic switch moved to the new bridge sometime in September 2016. The contractor is now making Saturdays and some Sundays regular work days in an effort to make up some of this lost schedule.

Completed Column and Footing for Piers 4 (background), 5 (formwork still attached), and 6 (foreground)

Completed Column and Footing for Piers 4 (background), 5 (formwork still attached), and 6 (foreground)

Although critical construction work has slowed on the bridge superstructure, other non-critical work on the bridge substructure continues. The steel reinforcement for pier column 7 has been tied is being readied for placement on the recently completed footing. The column formwork has been removed from pier column 5 and will be moved to pier 7 to form up the new column.

At the same time, all of the epoxy coating on the completed footing at pier 9 has been applied and all of the shoring removed and re-installed at pier 8. Excavation for the footing at pier 8 continues and will be completed this week. By 2/12/2016, we expect to have the column for pier 7 fully formed and the footing for pier 8 excavated, the drilled shaft foundations cut down to plan elevations, and footing formwork installed.

Typical segments being positioned at Pier Column 4

Typical segments being positioned at Pier Column 4

We are also aware of several potholes that have formed on the east side of the bridge along the westbound lanes between the bridge and Page Avenue. We expect to have them filled before the end of the week. Many of you have also phoned and emailed about our construction camera being down. For a variety of reasons, this camera has been offline more often than not. The camera is working now and we hope that we have corrected the operating issues.

We have also installed a second camera on the east side of the inlet to better document our work as the bridge construction continues to progress to the east side of the inlet. This second camera is available from the same internet link as the original one provided at http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge.com If this link does not work, please try http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/rshcs Thank you all for alerting us to this issue.

Utility conduits being installed inside the westbound Lesner Bridge

Utility conduits being installed inside the westbound Lesner Bridge

Utility installation inside the completed bridge spans has also begun. This work will continue and will be timed such that as the last span of the bridge is completed, the internal utility installation will also be near completion. This work is critical in relocating the various utilities from the existing bridges to the new westbound bridge within an acceptable timeframe so as to not delay the start of the old bridge demolition and new eastbound bridge construction.

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new westbound bridge segments. A total of 115 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast.

**A word of driver caution: As we deliver the segments to the project site or to the gantry, Virginia Beach Police will temporarily stop traffic at the Shore Drive/East Stratford Street Intersection for a few minutes to assist the segment delivery trucks in safely crossing this intersection. These deliveries are not on a set schedule, but will generally occur between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 pm M-F and on some Saturdays, so please be careful as you approach this intersection.**

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Deliver and load the gantry with the remaining span 4 bridge segments

Ø Install the temporary post-tensioning bars and epoxy the span 4 segments

Ø Install and post-tension the permanent tendons through the bridge segments in span 4 of 10 of the westbound bridge

Ø Form and place the concrete in the column for Pier #7

Ø Form and place the concrete in the footing for Pier #8

Ø Install various utilities inside the completed sections of the westbound bridge

Ø Install the new storm drain structures along East Stratford Street on the north side of Shore Drive.

That’s it for now. 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

Baylines Newsletter of the City Council-appointed Bayfront Advisory Commission February edition

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View Baylines Newsletter (4pg PDF):

Marina Shores development proposed
Developers of a proposed 261-unit , four-story apartment complex on the site of the Marina Shores marina along Long Creek made a presentation to the Bayfront Advisory Commission at its last meeting. . . .

Bayfront projects starting soon
Two new Public Works projects are coming to the Bayfront area, beginning this spring. The Greenwell Road Sidewalk Project . . .Shore Drive Bike Facility . . .

Election deadline looms
The deadline to register, change address or name for the March 1 Presidential Primary elections in Virginia Beach is the close of business, Monday, Feb. 8 . . .

Upcoming events
 The Parks and Recreation Department has identified 19 possible sites for installing bicycle racks at beach access entrances. . . .

The Joint Expeditionary Base – Fort Story will hold a public festival on the base to mark its 100th Anniversary Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m, to 4 p.m. . . .

Be sure to check out all the scoop in Baylines.

From Tour de Virginia Beach July 2009 advocating for more bike lanes.

From Tour de Virginia Beach July 2009 advocating for more bike lanes.

“That message a couple of years ago marked the humble beginning of what’s shaping up as one of the boldest public works proposals in recent Virginia history.”

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Read more at Pilotonline.com:

What Henifin has in mind is turning the treated wastewater into something useful. He wants to make it so clean that you and I could safely drink it, and then he wants to inject it more than a thousand feet underground into an aquifer that’s being rapidly depleted.

In doing so, he hopes to address a bunch of problems vexing coastal Virginia.

SB 163 Driving in flooded areas; localities may by ordinance prohibit, exception.

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SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Local regulation of driving in flooded areas; penalty. Allows localities to by ordinance prohibit driving in a flooded street in a way that damages property and creates a Class 4 misdemeanor for a violation of such ordinance. This prohibition does not apply to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, or operators of Department of Transportation vehicles in the performance of their official duties.

Message from COVB about Jonas

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From an email, posted unedited:

Subject: Winter Storm JONAS Update #3

My travels around the City this morning at high tide indicated the tidal flooding in the Lynnhaven watershed has been slightly higher than we estimated. Nothing I would consider greater than moderate/expected for this type weather.
Lynnhaven Colony , Bay Island and Cape Story having nuisance ponding across their usual low lying roads.

PW is reacting to Jim Woods call for assistance on issue at Cape Story Ditch and evaluating decision to close the tide gates before the next high tide. Atlantic Ocean is truly angry – haven’t seen the waves that big since Irene.

Bay Beaches holding up. Grommet Island Park berm did its job. Pics attached. Central Beach District at Baltic and 21st is dry. Rode the southern roads and ditches full but little to no encroachment onto roads.

About 200 power outages in the City – down from 800 at daybreak. Mostly due to downed tree limbs arcing out transformers. This evening after 7pm the temps will slowly fall.

Winter storm JONAS is wrapping around from the northwest and will continue to pushing frozen rain, sleet and some snow our way. Expect this up to Sunday day break. Precipitation ends Sunday morn and a cold day barely getting above freezing.

PW will have teams treating our bridges. Our City has fared well. Please pass this on to your constituents. Be safe and stay dry and warm. VR Dave    
Dave Hansen
Deputy City Manager
City of Virginia Beach
(757)385-4242

Leave Your Mark: New App Helps Residents Plan City’s Future

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At VBGov.com:

We rewrote the city’s Comprehensive Plan to reflect your concerns about traffic, the environment and more.
Now we’re asking: Did we get it right? Does the revised Comprehensive Plan address the things you love and the things you want changed?
We’ve made it easy to respond. In fact, there’s an app for that — and community meetings.

Engage!

Thursday, Jan. 28 — Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St.​
To read the complete Comprehensive Plan, visit http://www.VBgov.com/2016compplan.

speakupVB

“Obama’s plan, executive order No. 13690, mandates that all federally funded projects located in a floodplain be built higher and stronger than previously required. It is the first update to the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard since the policy was created 38 years ago. It applies to both new construction and rebuilding following a disaster.”

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News from WetlandsWatch.org:

The new policy is contained in an executive order issued by President Obama in January that says federal actions (think projects funded directly or in part by the federal government = highways, airports, military bases) have to take future flood risks into account.

The Executive order from January 2015:
FACT SHEET: Taking Action to Protect Communities and Reduce the Cost of Future Flood Disasters

More than 50 percent of Americans live in coastal counties, where key infrastructure and evacuation routes are increasingly vulnerable to impacts like higher sea levels, storm surges, and flooding.

News about Executive Order green lighted by Congress in recent omnibus bill:

Under Obama’s executive order, buildings must now be elevated 2 or 3 feet above the 100-year flood level (the higher standard is for “critical” infrastructure, like hospitals), or at the 500-year flood level. A third option is for federal agencies to analyze future climate change scenarios and build according to those projections, such as for sea level rise or expected heavier rain events.

Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) at FEMA.gov:

FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have produced fact sheets in response to several frequently asked questions regarding the intended scope of the President’s Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) and the anticipated impacts to many of the programs of these agencies.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday Jan. 25th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 1.25.16 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday January 25, 2016 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

Special Presentation – Shore Drive Phase III (CIP 2.117) – Mr. Jason Wilson, City Project Manager, will give provide an update and answer questions on this project that will take place along Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and North Great Neck Road. The project is currently scheduled to begin construction May 2018 and is designed to improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow and safety in the roadway and intersections; improve storm drainage; include a multi-use trail, 5-ft sidewalk and on-street bike lanes; and enhance the corridor with aesthetic elements such as landscaping and lighting.

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

Old Business-

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Bus Loop – City traffic Engineers and Hampton Roads Transit have updated the information presented to SDCC in October. Service will not enter Fort Story and the evening route will stay on Shore Drive and not return using Great Neck. Trial service is still planned to start Memorial Day 2016.

City Comprehensive Plan Update – Public comment on the plan can be made by attending a Thursday Jan. 28th meeting @ 6:30pm in the Convention Center or by using the new “SpeakUp! VB” app, which can be found on Google Play and Apple Stores. 

Marina Shores Residential Development Plan – The property owner has plans to change the current commercial businesses to multi-family residential dwellings. A stop light at the intersection of N. Great Neck Rd. and Lynnhaven Drive is also being researched. The property owner presented to the Bayfront Advisory Committee Thursday Jan. 21st.

New Business –

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

Admission Tax Exemption for 501c4 Civic Organizations – City Council approved an ordinance change to exempt IRS designated 501c4 Civic Organizations from the City’s 10% Admission Tax.

State Legislature Proposed Oyster Bills – Del. Stolle’s HB285 re: Dredging navigable waters and impact/compensation to productive oyster beds. Sen. DeStepth’s SB298 re: 1000 ft buffer from residential shore line for oyster farm leases.  Increase of lease cost in this buffer from $1.5/acre to $5000/acre.

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 February 29, 2016

“Roomier roads for pedestrians and bicyclists are in the works along the busy Shore Drive Corridor. An on-road bike lane and designated pathway will improve safety, said Oneil Clarke, Department of Public Works manager.”

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Pilotonline.com:

Photo Credit: Irene Bowers for The Virginian-Pilot

Photo Credit: Irene Bowers for The Virginian-Pilot

A second Public Works project is fast approaching a Monday deadline to request a public meeting.

The Greenwell Road Sidewalk Project provides a pedestrian thoroughfare along the south end of the road, extending from Shore Drive to Bayside Recreation Center.

The city plans to install a 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk from Shore Drive to Delco Road, and an 8 foot wide asphalt pathway from Delco to First Court Road, along the west side of the street.

YAY for bike facilities on Shore Drive !

Read story here at Pilotonline.com.

Learn more about the project for bike lanes on Shore Drive at SDCC.info here.

Shots fired at Marina Shores apartments Wednesday evening

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At Pilotonline.com:

A heavy police presence is on scene.

Reporter did not respond to Twitter.
No additional news is available.

Read some letters requesting Virginia Beach City Council to oppose off shore drilling

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Seven letters requesting Virginia Beach City Council to oppose offshore drilling.

    Virginia Beach Restaurant Association

    Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Commission

    The Princess Anne Garden Club

    Virginia Beach Hotel Association

    City of Virginia Beach Green Ribbon Committee

    Sandbridge Civic League

    Lynnhaven River NOW

Are you, your civic league or organization writing a letter too ?

Don't Drill VA artwork.

Don’t Drill VA artwork.

If you haven’t been involved with this very controversial idea, you might choose to get involved now.

Recent press includes an article at Pilotonline.com entitled Virginia’s scant opposition to offshore drilling stands out.

Trace your finger along a map of the South Carolina coast and you’d be hard-pressed to find a town that hasn’t adopted a resolution against drilling for oil and gas. More than 20 communities there have lined up against the idea. It’s much the same in coastal North Carolina and Georgia.

Interestingly, the City of Virginia Beach does not list offshore drilling as a Hot Topic at VBGov.com. Shouldn’t it be listed?

Editor’s note: SDCC has not taken a vote on offshore drilling.

We donated $250 to Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

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Thanks to Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad for generously allowing us to have our monthly meetings at their home!

Brant Schultheis Training Lt., who was recently recognized as this year’s Squad Member of the Year and the recpient of the Captain’s Award, accepted our $250 donation on behalf of the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.

We enthusiastically encourage you too to donate what you can to Rescue 1 and Rescue 4!

Start here:

Todd presenting Brant with our $250 donation

Todd presenting Brant with our $250 donation


Moments after receiving our donation

Moments after receiving our donation

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “Just a quick holiday reminder: Taking pictures of the bridge under construction and turning them into tree ornaments has become quite a fad with the residents along Shore Drive. Who knows? Maybe we can . . .”

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December 15 2015 update:

Lesner Bridge Fans and Holiday Revelers:

As we head into the holiday season, what better gift could there be for bridge project fans than a Lesner Bridge project update from Santa’s favorite elf/helper/project manager – Chris Wojtowicz?

Work on the project has been steady and benefitted somewhat by the mild temperatures we have had the last 4-6 weeks. Crews are moving along quite well, and the project continues to progress each day.

Just a quick holiday reminder: Taking pictures of the bridge under construction and turning them into tree ornaments has become quite a fad with the residents along Shore Drive. Who knows? Maybe we can get Chris to stand in the picture as well – just leave a snack out by the Christmas tree.

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:

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. Please enjoy the holidays and your time with family and friends.

AND PLEASE 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

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

It’s been a while since the last project update in October and, as many of you have noticed, a lot has been happening since then.

Ø We have recently completed the construction of span 2 (of 10) of the new westbound Lesner Bridge and crews are working hard to have the 3rd span complete by Christmas.

Ø Ahead of the superstructure construction, work continues on the substructure (footings and pier columns). The footing and pier column for Pier 4 have been completed as well as the footings for both Piers 6 and 9. The seal slab and formwork for the Pier 5 footing were installed this week and the reinforcing steel for the column at Pier 6 has been installed.

Given that this mild and calm December weather continues, we expect to have concrete placed both in the footing of Pier 5 and in the column for Pier 6 prior to the Holiday break.

Completed Spans 1 and 2 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Spans 1 and 2 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Column and Footing for Pier 4

Completed Column and Footing for Pier 4


Pier segment being positioned at Pier Column 3

Pier segment being positioned at Pier Column 3

Ø Utility work also continues on the east side of Lesner Bridge. A new 8-inch water main was installed along Cape Henry Drive (in front of Lesner Inn) and the new 16-inch water main was partially installed along Shore Drive in the eastern approach to the new bridge. Power and communication conduits and duct are currently being installed behind Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn property) and will be complete by next week (12/18/2015. A new stormwater structure is now being installed on the south side of Cape Henry Drive near the intersection of Vista Circle.

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 90 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast.

A word of driver caution: As we deliver the segments to the project site or to the gantry, Virginia Beach Police will temporarily stop traffic at the Shore Drive/East Stratford Street Intersection for a few minutes to assist the segment delivery trucks in safely crossing this intersection. These deliveries are not on a set schedule, but will generally occur between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 pm M-F and on some Saturdays, so be careful as you approach this intersection.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Deliver and load the gantry with the span 3 bridge segments
Ø Install the temporary post-tensioning bars and epoxy the span 3 segments
Ø Install and post-tension the permanent tendons through the bridge segments in span 3 of 10 of the westbound bridge
Ø Complete the concrete placement for the footing in Pier 5
Ø Form and place the concrete in the column for Pier #6
Ø Install the 16-inch water main in the new bridge approach along Shore Drive between Abutment B and the tie-in at Page Avenue
Ø Complete the MSE wall and temporary wire wall on the east side of the bridge along the former Duck Inn property

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday Season!

– 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

Special Presentation Tonight – Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Study Results

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trolley 2

Mark you calendars and bring your friends to this interesting presentation scheduled for the upcoming SDCC meeting on Monday October 26th at 7:30pm

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

Mr. Brian Chenault from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Transportation Planner will present the results from their study of a possible bus loop between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront. Mr. Chenault and Mr. Shea will hold a question and answer session after the presentation. Brief background: The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) asked for the study and the SDCC ran a survey that collected almost 400 responses.

Click here to read the study results presented to the BAC – Shore Drive Shuttle Service Analysis FINAL2

Click here to see the SDCC survey results – http://sdcc.info/2015/07/22/385-survey-takers-provided-input-on-a-proposed-shore-drive-oceanfront-trolley/

City move forward with Community Rating System application

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City staff is moving forward with the application to add Virginia Beach to the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS).  Once part of the CRS, residents who pay flood insurance could see a savings of 10%-15% on their premiums.

Here is the City document supporting the policy and discussing the process being followed to submit the application.

Click here to read the document – 4 CommunityRatingSystemPolicyReport

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “This is a very important step in the bridge construction process since the temporary post-tensioning system holds the bridge geometry in place until the permanent tendons can be installed and stressed.”

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October 16th 2015 update:

To All the Travelers and Fans of the Lesner Bridge:

As we view summer in the rear view mirror and creep into cooler weather, Public Works offers you the latest chapter in our story of: The Lesner Bridge Replacement Project. Brought to you by bridge master and author Chris “Wojo” Wojtowicz, this latest update will inform and enlighten. It also has pictures!

Work at the bridge is moving along quite well, and crews continue to progress each day. Things are changing weekly, so if you haven’t had the opportunity to check out what is going on there, please do so. It really is quite impressive.

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.

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. Enjoy the fall days and great weather – nor’easters and Joaquin aside – as we ease into cooler days and nights.

Take care, 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

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

Friends:

Assembly of span 1 (of 10) for the new westbound bridge is well underway!

Since the last project update, the erection gantry has been load tested and certified for use in assembling the pre-cast concrete segments into the superstructure of the new bridge. All of the Span 1 segments have been placed into position and are currently being epoxied and temporarily post-tensioned in place in preparation for installing the ten permanent tendons that will hold the bridge span together when we move the gantry to span #2. This is a very important step in the bridge construction process since the temporary post-tensioning system holds the bridge geometry in place until the permanent tendons can be installed and stressed.

Once these tendons are stressed to their specified force, the hanging bars holding the bridge segments in place can be released and the gantry moved forward to the next bridge span. Right now, the contractor is installing five 1-3/8” diameter steel bars inside each of the bridge segments; two in each “wing” of the segment and one along the bottom centerline of the segments.

Epoxy is applied to the faces of the two segments that are about to be pulled together and then the four “wing” post tensioning bars are each pulled with a jacking force of 150,000 lbs. (150 kips) and the bottom centerline bar is pulled with a jacking force of 100 kips. This securely locks the two segments together creating a watertight seal and ensuring that the bridge geometry doesn’t change prior to installing the permanent tendons. After two segments are assembled, couplers are installed on the steel bars and the process repeated until all segments at connected from abutment to pier or from pier to pier.

Bridge Segments Attached to Erection Gantry with Hanging Bars (Westbound Bridge) Epoxy Applied to Segment Faces Just Prior to Post-Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Segments Attached to Erection Gantry with Hanging Bars (Westbound Bridge) Epoxy Applied to Segment Faces Just Prior to Post-Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

image003-6

Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

All of the segments for Span 2 of the bridge have been delivered the project site and are being stored in the laydown yard behind the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps. Installation of these Span 2 segments will begin in November and continue into the first week of December.

Ahead of the erection gantry work continues on the footings for the remaining bridge columns. The construction joint in the Pier 4 footing is being prepared for the final concrete placement, the seal slab and footing formwork for Pier 6 has been set and is being readied for the placement of reinforcing steel. Cofferdams at Piers 7 and 9 have been installed in preparation for installing the footing formwork.

Construction of WB Bridge Abutment B was completed on Monday (10/12/15).

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 74 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast.

In addition to the bridge work, the contractor has begun utility work on the east side of the bridge near Bubba’s and the Lesner Inn. A new 8-inch water line is being installed along Cape Henry Drive from the Maryland Pilots Association towards the former Starbucks location. This line will cross Shore Drive in front of Bubba’s and tie into the new 16-inch water main being installed in the approach for the new westbound bridge. This utility work will require periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures on Shore Drive at the Vista Circle intersection.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Install and post-tension the permanent tendons through the bridge segments in span 1 of 10 of the westbound bridge

Ø Complete the last concrete placement in the footing of Pier #4

Ø Form and place the concrete in the footing for Pier #6

Ø Install the 8-inch and 16-inch water mains within Shore Drive

Ø Grade and pave the western approach to the bridge (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)

Ø Erect falsework at Pier 2 and prep for erection gantry support installation

That’s about it for now.

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

Sorry! No screen shot of Construction Camera like we usually do. Site is down.

Join us THIS Friday October 2nd from 2pm-7pm and help save a life! We will be hosting our October Blood Drive at Rescue Station 1 on Shore Drive. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome!

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Head over to this link to make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

CLICK TO GET TO APPOINTMENT PAGE

CLICK TO GET TO APPOINTMENT PAGE

City Manager Qualities/Experience identified by members of the Shore Drive Community Coalition at our 9/28/15 General Meeting

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· Supportive of Volunteer Rescue Squad

· Experience with topics/items in VB Comprehensive Plan and be supportive of them

· Needs to have Experience/Background in the following:

    o Sea Level Rise

    o Master Planning

    o Safety & Environmental Health

    o Dealing with Military

· Should be or have been a City Manager of a large city

· Should be coming from a tourism city/area

· Familiar with the Dillon Rule

· Embraces and supports Civic Engagement

· Practices unbiased/impartial decision making

· Embraces and supports Complete Streets concept

· Should be a cyclist or commute by bike

· Needs to understand and be willing to work on new initiatives/approaches regarding National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Disaster Preparedness

· Good financial management skills. Come from a city that holds a AAA or better bond rating

Business Avatars Set

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS NOW

Have you submitted your ideas ?

Deadline today September 30 2015 at 5pm.

START HERE.

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “Installation of these span 2 segments will begin in November and continue into the first week of December.”

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September 29th 2015 update:

To All Lesner Bridge Aficionados:

As I cling to the last few days of summer, the latest update about the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project from the bridge wizard and project manager, Chris Wojtowicz, crosses my desk. If you are interested at all in the Lesner Bridge project, this is must reading.

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. It really is 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBGfmBs6Efw&feature=youtu.be

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 Indian summer as we ease into cooler days and nights. And please – no one say the word “snow.”

Take care, 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

It’s been a while since the last update and, as many of you have seen, a lot has happened since then as the bridge begins to take shape.

The first bridge segment was installed for the westbound bridge on August 21st. Since that time both pier segments (Pier #1) and the abutment segment (Abutment A) have been set on their bearings, sealed, and post-tensioned. The remaining 14 segments for span 1 of 10 have been loaded into the launching gantry and are currently being readied to be set into position. Post-tensioning and gluing of these span 1 segments will begin on or about October 1st, and will continue into the first week of November.

Bridge Segment at Abutment A (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Segment at Abutment A (Westbound Bridge)


Bridge Segments at Pier #1 (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Segments at Pier #1 (Westbound Bridge)

Span 1 Bridge Segments in Ready Position (Westbound Bridge)

Span 1 Bridge Segments in Ready Position (Westbound Bridge)

All of the segments for spans 2, 3, and 4 have been cast for the westbound bridge. The segments for span 2 of the bridge are now beginning to arrive at the project site and are being stored in the laydown yard behind the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps. Installation of these span 2 segments will begin in November and continue into the first week of December.

All of the drilled shaft foundations for the westbound bridge have been completed. The footing for Pier #4 has been partially placed and the seal slabs for Piers #5 and #6 have been delivered to the project and are being readied for placement at the respective footings. The cofferdam at Pier #7 has been installed and is being prepared for installing the footing formwork. The cofferdams and footings for Piers #8 and #9 will be installed in early 2016.

Seal Slabs for Pier Footings #5 and #6 (Westbound Bridge)

Seal Slabs for Pier Footings #5 and #6 (Westbound Bridge)

Cofferdam at Pier #7 (Westbound Bridge)

Cofferdam at Pier #7 (Westbound Bridge)

The second of three concrete pours at Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn property) took place on August 19th, 2015. The final concrete placement at Abutment B will take place next Thursday, October 1st. The forms will be stripped the week of October 12th, and the MSE wall located adjacent to Abutment B will be completed by October 23rd.

Backwall Reinforcing Steel and Formwork for Abutment B (Westbound Bridge)

Backwall Reinforcing Steel and Formwork for Abutment B (Westbound Bridge)

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 73 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast. They are currently casting out the center span (Span #5) of the westbound bridge.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Post-Tension and glue the bridge segments in span 1 of 10

Ø Complete the footing for Pier #4

Ø Complete the footing for Pier #6

Ø Grade the footing for Pier #7

Ø Complete construction of Abutment B

Ø Begin waterline installation work on the east side of the bridge near Page Avenue and Shore Drive

That’s it for now. 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

Screen shot of Construction Cam photo taken September 26th 1 hour 10 minutes before high tide at Virginia Pilot Station.

Screen shot of Construction Cam photo taken September 26th 1 hour 10 minutes before high tide at Virginia Pilot Station.