Category Archives: Quality of Life

Monday Sept. 28th SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  9.28.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday September 28, 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 Presentation. Shore Drive Phase III project presentation postponed due to storm water analysis.

Proposed discussions –

  • City Manager Qualifications Input Request from City Government. What qualities should the new City Manager possess?
  • VB Public Libraries need suggestions for topics of discussion for their upcoming 2016 Community Conversations program. Do we have any topics to suggest?

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) – Update on program and questions as to why it takes so long to implement.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – VB Project Coordinator, Brian Solis, has been asked to attend an upcoming SDCC meeting to brief us on the Hampton Roads Transportation (HRT) report. He has tentatively agreed to come to our October meeting.

Shore Drive Bike Path Project – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Oneil Clarke, provided a copy of the project drawings. The project will not include sidewalks, only bike paths. Minimal road widening and closures will be required. Drawings will be available at the SDCC meeting and photos of critical areas will be posted on the www.sdcc.info website.

New Business –

Admission Tax Exemption for Civic Organizations – The Commission of Revenue is working on a change to the City Code to allow 501c4 Civic Organizations to be exempt from having to pay the 10% Admission Tax fee. This would allow all our Civic Leagues to keep monies made from Oyster Roasts and other fund raisers and use them for community projects. Cape Story loses $1000 a year to this tax.

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

  • 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.
  • Lynnhaven River Now Candidate Forum – October 14th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the VB Central Library.       All State Senatorial and Delegate candidates have been asked to participate.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 26th – Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Service Presentation. City Project Lead, Mr. Brian Solis, will present the HRT report results and discuss the recommended route details.

“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.

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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#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.

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

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.

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.

 

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Survey – We Want to Hear What You Think

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survey

SDCC has created a short 5 to 10 minute survey regarding the possible Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley loop.

Please take a moment to give us your thoughts and to pass the survey link on to others that may be interested in providing their input.

Click here or on the “take survey” icon above to begin the survey.

 

Possible Trolley Loop between Shore Drive and Oceanfront – Virginian-Pilot Article

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trolley 2

Trolleys from resort area could help Chic’s Beach lure tourists, group says

By Kathy Hieatt
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 15, 2015

The Shore Drive corridor along the Chesapeake Bay is a gateway to the Oceanfront for lots of summer visitors, but many simply bypass the area on the way to the Atlantic and don’t return until it’s time to leave.

To read the rest of Kathy’s article, click here

 

NOAA: Below-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely this year

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From NOAA Hurricane Center website:

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season will likely be below-normal, but that’s no reason to believe coastal areas will have it easy.

And:

“A below-normal season doesn’t mean we’re off the hook. As we’ve seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities,” said NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., referring to the 1992 season in which only seven named storms formed, yet the first was Andrew – a Category 5 Major Hurricane that devastated South Florida.

Outlook_2015_FINAL

Visit Hurricanes.gov to learn more.

Clean The Bay Day / National Trails Day info about how you can help

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CTBD2015Poster_18x24highres_UPDATED FINAL

From an email:

Dear School, Community, and Media Partners,

Below is our official statewide Virginia State Parks press release for the June 6, 2015 Clean the Bay Day and National Trails Day events. However, I summarized our Hampton Roads programs and events for you. You can always find up to date event and program information, included guided hikes, guided kayak trips, crafts, fishing clinics, and more by visiting http://www.virginiastateparks.gov and clicking “What to Do”.

If you or any of your staff are interested in covering these programs for your media outlet, please feel free to contact me at staci.martin@dcr.virgnia.gov or 757-477-4046 so I can coordinate your visit. We sincerely appreciate your help in promoting these events to help keep our trails and waterways clean and healthy for outdoor recreation. (Please feel free to email me at staci.martin@dcr.virginia.gov to be removed from my event distribution list.)

First Landing State Park—VA Beach: 9 a.m. to 12noon Join volunteers all across Virginia in collecting trash and other debris in and around our local waterways. Volunteers will clean up areas around the Bald Cypress Swamps, Broad Bay, and of course the beach along the Chesapeake Bay. Meet at the Chesapeake Bay Center to register and pick up supplies.

False Cape State Park—VA Beach: Be a part of the Annual Clean the Bay & National Trails Day by getting outdoors and enjoying a day making a difference. Join park staff and volunteers in helping keep our beaches pristine by picking up shoreline debris or help spruce-up one of the many trails found within the park. Reservations are required. No charge. Call 757-426-7128 to reserve a spot.

Kiptopeke State Park—Eastern Shore: 9 a.m. – 12noon Come out and help us collect the items that the wind and waves have brought to Kiptopeke State Park. We will be picking up trash and marine debris on the beach, parking lots and trails. There is no entrance fee to the park and trash bags will be provided. Please tell the front gate staff that you are here for the clean up and they will direct you to the waterfront shed.

Chippokes Plantation State Park—Surry: Clean the Bay Day gets the public actively involved in improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay by removing trash and contaminants in the bay’s watershed. During 2014’s Clean the Bay Day, 6,000 volunteers picked up 110,000 pounds of trash along more than 450 miles of shoreline. Let’s do better! Chippokes will be offering the following programs to contribute to the event:

9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Beach Cleanup
Leave your mark on the quality of the park and the bay! See the contact ranger inside the visitor center to get started!

9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.
Let’s Go Fishing!-Children’s Fishing Tournament ($2/person $6/family)
See the types of animals that call the James River home! Meet at the footbridge on College Run Trail.

York River State Park—Williamsburg: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (various programs) Celebrate the outdoors by hiking the miles of multi-purpose and hiking specific trails along Taskinas Creek and the York River. We have a full slate of ranger guided activities to enjoy. Help maintain the shoreline with our Clean The Bay Day event. The June Kid’s Fishing Tournament takes place on Woodstock Pond. Experience something new in the natural world with our Roaming Ranger. Hike along an estuarine marsh on the Taskinas Creek Trek. Take a trip thru the past with our Historic Wagon Ride. Or, take a self guided adventure alone or with a group. See individual event listings for more information http://tinyurl.com/monn927.

Belle Isle State Park—Lancaster: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Shoreline Clean-Up – Camp Store – Help keep the marshes of Belle Isle State Park clean. We will take a hayride down Neck Fields Trail and clean up trash and debris, keeping the marshes and shorelines healthy and looking good. Wear sturdy boots or waders, we will get muddy! Remember to bring plenty of water. It is also a good idea to bring some sturdy work gloves. Registration is required.*

2 p.m. That’s No Stick in the Mud – Picnic Area – If you like to hike, then you need a good hiking stick. And the best hiking sticks are decorated to showcase your style and personality! These also make a great souvenir! We’ve got everything you need to make your hiking stick truly unique. We even supply the stick! $2

4 p.m. Survival Bracelets – Picnic Area -You may have seen them in the store or on T.V., you may even own one, but would you know how to use a paracord survival bracelet? We will discuss some of the many uses of these versatile and fashionable accessories. Then, make your own paracord survival bracelet! Registration is recommended.* $5 per bracelet.

*To register, call the park office at (804) 462-5030 or stop by the camp store.


Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Current news release is located at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr_relz_detail.shtml?id=2015-05-29-14-50-47-928503-d3e
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 29, 2015

Celebrate National Trails Day and Clean the Bay Day
in a Virginia State Park, June 6

(RICHMOND) – With more than 500 miles of trails, there’s no better place in Virginia to celebrate National Trails Day on June 6 than Virginia State Parks.

Whether hiking, biking, paddling or horseback riding, all state parks will offer special events or activities geared towards trails. State parks in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will also mark the 27th annual Clean the Bay Day with special activities.

National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society.

Activities across Virginia include:

High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville offers the annual 5K, “Run for Your Life.” Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane has a special horseback ride planned for riders who bring their own horse. Also at Sky Meadows, cyclists looking for a new challenge can join Element Sports of Winchester for a ride on the multi-use trails at the base of the Blue Ridge backcountry.

Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield is offering three different hikes throughout the day. Grayson Highlands in Mouth of Wilson will offer different experiences, including a 9-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, and trail maintenance on the Cabin Creek Trail.

Natural Tunnel in Duffield offers a canoe trip on the Clinch River, a historic hike, a wild cave tour and a night hike to demonstrate different trail experiences. New River Trail State Park partners with Mike McMillion, owner and head Bike Mechanic of Pulaski Bikes LLC, for a demonstration of basic road and trail side maintenance.

State parks will also offer opportunities to help maintain trails and improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. At Staunton River Battlefield, in Randolph, there will be work on the initial layout and construction of a new trail around Mulberry Hill Pond. At James River State Park in Gladstone, float along the James River to Treasure Island. Visitors can earn a free wagon ride by collecting 15 pieces of trash. At First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, volunteers will clear debris from Bald Cypress swamps, Broad Bay and the beach along the Chesapeake Bay.

Read the details of these and other programs here: http://bit.ly/2015NTD. Some activities require advance registration.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make cabin or camping reservations, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov.

# # #

#LESNERBRIGE update from Project Manager – “The large yellow girders for this gantry crane will begin to be assembled on the beach next week.”

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May 19th 2015 update:

Friends and Fans of the Lesner Bridge Project:

The heat and beach weather have finally arrived, so you can officially put snow plows and ice and sand and salt out of your mind. Progress on the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project is moving onward, and we continue to receive a number of requests for information and updates – to which we gladly respond.

Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and other details – – updated for your reading pleasure – from Chris Wojtowicz, poster boy and mayor of “Wojo’s World.” Please give this a look when you have the time, and 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. . . 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

The bridge contractor has completed the erection of the temporary steel falsework between Pier #1 and Abutment A (this is near 3556 On The Bay condominiums) and has installed the support towers that the gantry trusses will rest on. The large yellow girders for this gantry crane will begin to be assembled on the beach next week. Once assembled, they will be moved to the temporary steel falsework to complete the assembly of the gantry crane.

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Temporary Falsework Tower Support at Pier #1

Pre-casting of the bridge segments at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA is now on a regular production schedule. 40 of the 177 bridge segments have been cast. In other words, we now have enough segments to complete 2 of the 10 spans in the westbound bridge and will likely have the third span complete by Memorial Day. As soon as the gantry crane is assembled, the contractor will begin delivering the segments to the project site.

The foundation work on the westbound bridge continues. All of the drilled shafts for Pier #4 have been installed and the Contractor is anticipating the completion of the drilled shafts at Pier #5 by 5/21/2015. There are 9 piers per bridge, therefore the Contractor is already past the halfway mark in the drilled shaft installation.

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Drilled Shaft Installation at Pier #5 (Temporary Trestle being assembled in background as preparation for foundation construction at Pier #7)

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will;

Ø Mobilize the utility barges and drilling equipment to Pier #7 (east side of the Federal Channel in the Lynnhaven Inlet);

Ø Mobilize cranes to Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn site) to prepare for driving piles for the abutment foundation and temporary retaining wall;

Ø Continue work on the temporary overhead crane installation at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site;

Ø Dewater the cofferdam at Pier #3 and begin construction of the concrete cap at this pier location;

Please note, that when the Contractor begins installing the temporary retaining wall on the east side of Lesner Bridge next to Shore Drive he will have to temporarily close the outside lane of WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the bridge. All this work will be performed at night between the hours of 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

Through these project updates we’ve discussed a lot about the construction of the new bridges. Now as the project moves along we will be providing some information on the aesthetics of the new bridge – how the new bridge will look once complete. The new bridge will have a coating (TexCote® 300 Bridge Cote® ) Palomino Beige in color that will give the bridge a “finished” look as well as a protective layer to help protect the concrete from the elements as well as graffiti. The first application of this coating will be applied to the MSE wall near 3556 On the Bay Condominiums and Abutment A also located in this area.

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Bridge Coating – TexCote® 300 Bridge Cote® (Palomino Beige shown in upper left panel)

One last bit of information. We have posted a 3D animation of the bridge construction sequence on our website at http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge The link is posted on the right side of the page under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and is titled “Lesner Bridge Construction Sequence Animation”. This animation has been prepared using the expected sequence of construction to be used by the Contractor and shows – in scale – the relative size of the new bridges compared to the old bridges and how the traffic patterns will change over time as we move through the 5 phases of construction (we are in Phase 2 right now). We are also preparing a presentation that we will present periodically to the general public on the weekend. Dates and location have not yet been determined, but once we have the schedule we will post to the City’s website as well as send via this email update. This schedule and presentation will also be made available to the Bayfront Advisory Committee.

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

“I wanted to let you know that the large, damaged Live Oak that we spoke about at the corner of Shore Dr. and Kleen St. was removed …”

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Email posted unedited.

Gentlemen,

I wanted to let you know that the large, damaged Live Oak that we spoke about at the corner of Shore Dr. and Kleen St. was removed today. A Miss Utility ticket has gone in for both stumps to be ground, and we hope to be able to take care of removing them next week. I’m very sorry that this tree had to be removed due to extensive decay and structural issues, but I’m glad that removal was carried out without causing damage or harm. We’ll be planting a replacement live oak this fall, however it won’t be at this same site due to the proximity to the roadway at this intersection.

Best wishes,

Susan

Susan French
City Arborist, Landscape Management Division
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
ISA Certified Arborist #MA-4747A

Landscape Management | 4141 Dam Neck Road | Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone 757-385-4076 | Fax 757-427-1895 | sfrench@vbgov.com | VBgov.com/parks

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Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association

We appreciate the work that went into trying to save this live oak.

Susan loves meeting people in the field to chat about live oaks, The City Tree, and any other tree for that matter!

Preserving precious live oaks at beloved LBR&BF and public safety

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Some photos of recent pruning of live oaks at beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility. 

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Planned is some cabling, a fence around both to strongly discourage climbing, which could lead to them being cut down for public safety reasons, plus signage with information about these live oaks.

Join us at our meeting this Monday where we will be discussing:

Proposed City Tree Task Force – SDCC is working with City Staff/Arborist to create a task force to discuss ways to help protect the City’s official tree (Live Oak) and maintain residential property rights.  Roadway encroachment lead to the planned removal of trees (200+ years old) at Shore Drive & Kleen St.