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: Safety
#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
SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday April 24th
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 4.24.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday April 24, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – No Special Presentation
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update. Developer plans to present to the Planning Commission as early as June. The developer told Cape Story Civic Association that the dredge transfer land would be added to the proffer for unbuildable natural area to prevent it from being used as such. City traffic studies supposedly show that traffic counts won’t be high enough and a potential for increased accidents prevent a stop light from being installed at N Great Neck and Lynnhaven Dr.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Update on City’s plans for the test route. City and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) are working on finalizing the bus stops and should have a brochure created soon.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Road/Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive – VB Works (See-Click-Fix) has been used to identify possible improvement to pedestrian crossing at Red Tide and Shore Drive. Better signage identifying pedestrian right of way when in crosswalk and confirmation of adequate operation of motion detection system were addressed.
City of Virginia Beach Bike and Trails Plan Input – The City is asking for public input on this plan. Residents can take an online survey and also provide comment using Virtual Town Hall. Comments will be taken until April 30th. So if you ride a bike or use sidewalks and trails, let the City hear your opinions. Click here for City website links
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday May 22, 2017
(Please note the meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day)
Boat mechanic airlifted with injuries from boat fire in Cape Henry Shores
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
“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.
SDCC General Meeting Monday March 27th Agenda – Code Enforcement Presentation
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 3.27.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 27, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – City Code Violations and Enforcement
Ms. Denise Wethington, Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Code Enforcement Inspector, will discuss the code enforcement process and violations in our community. Inspectors patrol their assigned areas for violations, conduct systematic exterior inspections of neighborhoods on an as-needed basis, notify property owners of violations and take appropriate legal action to obtain compliance. The division addresses code violations through enforcement of the Virginia Maintenance Code and the city’s property maintenance codes.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – The developer plans to make presentations to neighborhood civic groups and will present the revised plan to the Planning Commission in April. The number of units have been reduced from 261 to 200, no additional entrance will be created, no stop light will be added to the intersection of Great Neck Road and Lynnhaven Drive.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Plans to have a trial route this summer are moving forward. Surveys and public comments have been supportive of this project. Updates will be discussed and suggestions for promotion of the new service will be welcomed.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
City of Virginia Beach Transportation Survey – Results from the recent transportation survey will be discussed. Update of Phase IV Shore Drive improvements in Ocean Park between the Lesner Bridge and Marlin Bay Drive will be discussed.
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday April 24, 2017
Remember taking the survey? Transit Planning Public Engagement Summary February ‘17.
First off, THANK YOU For participating in survey if you did.
Your feedback DOES make a difference.
View entire PDF at VBGov.com here.
View & download entire Transit Planning Public Engagement Summary (86 page PDF)
There are a ton of great well thought out comments in the entire package.
Some sample feedback including 215 first place votes for Shore Drive Ocean Park Phase IV roadway project.
City of VB hosting Transit Planning Workshop – Wed. March 22nd @ 6pm
Transit Planning Community Workshop – Part II
Let’s get going! Join us Wednesday, March 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts to learn about and help plan our transportation future.
Residents are invited to help plan improvements to public transportation in Virginia Beach and throughout our region. This interactive session will review work to date, including feedback from more than 560 survey responses following the first public meeting (Jan-Feb 2017). We’ll look at potential new routes as well as issues involving frequency, schedules and more.
Click here for more details on this workshop
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
Boat shop in Ocean Park robbed Super Bowl Sunday night. “King is asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area between 7 p.m. Sunday night and 2 a.m. Monday morning to call police.”
Check story including video at WTKR.com.
“When all the damage is done, or how they pulled it out of the dash, all the steering and everything we are talking well over $200,000 of motors,” King told News 3’s Todd Corillo Wednesday.
There’s a short Survey at VBGov.com that could help get Shore Drive upgraded in Ocean Park.
Question #9 please choose Shore Drive !
Help Ocean Park!
Question 9. Please rank the following roadway projects 1-8 in order of priority, with 1 being the highest priority and 8 being lowest. (Project | Unfunded Amount)
Please choose “Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV as #1 or slide it to top.
Extra bonus points.
Question 8. What else should we consider as we plan the future of public transit in Virginia Beach and the region?
Answer Question #8 by Write in: We want Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Loop
Even more love for Ocean Park & Shore Drive.
Question 10. If you have any additional comments or questions, please write them here:
Write in: PLEASE FINISH SHORE DRIVE PHASE IV NOW
Click to start short survey.
#LESNERBRIDGE 1 lane each direction Wednesday Feb 1 from 9a-3p
From an email from Bayfront Advisory Committee:
BOTH directions of Shore Drive over the Lesner Bridge will be reduced to ONE LANE between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.1, as crews repair a leaking 16-inch water main line. Affected lanes for this closure will be the INSIDE lanes both east and west bound, said Christopher J. Wojtowicz, project manager. Repairs will be done on Shore Drive at Vista Circle eastbound and at Page Avenue westbound.
“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.
Storm Water Improvement Plan Presentation – Mon. Jan 30th at 7:30pm SDCC Meeting
Are you concerned about flooding around your home? neighborhood? Shore Drive?
If so, then you won’t want to miss this presentation. The presentation is open to all, so bring your friends and neighbors.
SDCC General Meeting Presentation
Monday January 30, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
At this Monday’s Jan. 30th SDCC meeting, Mr. Mike Bumbaco, Project Manager with the City’s Public Works/Water Resources Department, will provide updates on the current storm water projects being worked in our area. He will also discuss additional plans that are in the design phase and could benefit from public input. The improvements could carry a price tag of $60+ million. Some of the topics to be covered will include:
- Sluice Gate installation in Cape Story and Lynnhaven Colony. How they operate and project timeline.
- Pump house upgrade at Poinciana in Cape Story
- Storm water improvements for areas north of Shore Drive
- Large collection pound for current treed area near Page Ave. and Shore Drive
- What types of systems could be used along Shore Drive, large pipes and pump stations or gravity drains?
E-Cycling and Hazardous Waste Disposal at the Virginia Aquarium: Sat. Jan. 28th from 9am to 1pm
Location: Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot
Cost: No charge (donations are always welcome)
Contact: Virginia Aquarium
Phone: (757) 385-FISH (3474)
Upcoming Dates:
- Saturday, January 28, 2017 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, the City of Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling, will offer its semi-annual E-cycling event Saturday, January 28, 2017, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot. There is no fee to drop off items, but donations are always appreciated.
Click Here for more information on the event
Click here for a map to the East Parking Lot of the Aquarium
Acceptable personal electronic recyclable items include:
- Personal computers and laptops
- Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
- Printers
- Circuit boards and components
- Monitors and flat screens CRT TVs (Cathode Ray Tube TVs) – MUST be smaller than 32”* Flat Screen TVs
- Fax machines
- Stereo equipment and game systems
- Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted.
Acceptable household hazardous waste items include:
- Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
- Aerosol spray cans
- Automotive fluids
- Batteries: Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), Boat, Car, Camera, Cell phone, Hearing aid, Lead acid, Lithium, Rechargeable, Trucks
- Herbicides
- Household cleaners
- Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
- Fertilizer
- Pool Chemicals
- Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
- Oil and water based paint
- Pesticides
- Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)
- For further tips visit www.VBgov.com/landfill
*CRT TVs larger than 32” MUST be taken to the City of Virginia Beach Resource Recovery Center, located at 1989 Jake Sears Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 7a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Switched! #LESNERBRIDGE
At about 6 pm. Please drive safely!
All traffic shares the new span until …
Paving today on Shore Drive – 1 lane from Leaping Lizard to Pleasure House Road.
Expect delays heading westbound. It’s 1 lane.
TODAY IS THE DAY! 1pm – hopefully done before rush hour. #LESNERBRIDGE
THE eastbound switch that is. 
#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.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 
