Category Archives: Safety
Monday July 31st – SDCC General Meeting Special Presentation and Agenda
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 7.31.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 31, 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 – Proposed Urban Winery on Shore Drive – Jennifer Eichert, owner and operator of Mermaid Winery in Norfolk, will discuss her plans to open a winery at 4365 Shore Drive. The plans include an outside seating area with fire pits and a tasting room that will be available for private parties. The project was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission on July 12th.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams
Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle – Update on ridership numbers and HRT’s ideas to expand and make this route more effective. Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Send comments to Todd@sdcc.info Comments will be collected and forwarded to City and HRT.
Pleasure House Point Management Plan – City Staff met with an Ocean Park Civic League steering committee to discuss the planned parking lot, ADA requirements and the wetland mitigation bank.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Bay Lake Assisted Living Facility Expansion – The owners of Bay Lake plan to expand by adding new buildings to their vacant lot at the corner of First Court and Shore Drive. The plan requires a Conditional Use Permit and may be heard by the Planning Commission as early as August. The site layout shows an entrance off Shore Drive across from Indian Hill Rd and another off First Court.
Resort Conference Hotel Proposal to Convert to Assisted Living Facility – VB Planning received a Conditional Use Permit application for the transition of the VB Resort and Conference Center to become Housing for Seniors and Disabled Persons. The request is to specifically convert the hotel into independent, assisted and memory care units. A hearing may be as early as September.
Community Concerns and Suggestions – 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 August 28, 2017
Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area
Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area
Fort Story to Starfish Road Including First Landing State Park
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for the Cape Henry area of Virginia Beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road, including First Landing State Park. Recent testing conducted by the Health Department showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards.
Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as Enterococcus, the indicator of choice in estuarine and marine waters.
“The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them weekly from May through September,” said Heidi Kulberg, M.D., director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. “On the occasions when waters fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”
Signs will be posted on the beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road to alert the public of the swimming and wading advisory. The signs will read:
WARNING! SWIMMING ADVISORY
Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards
Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice
Virginia Beach has conducted these tests since the mid-1970s. Health officials will continue testing the site until the water quality meets the state water quality standards. When the sampling test results meet the standards, the signs will be removed.
Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of the fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.
“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Kulberg. “Typically an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.”
The results of this and all other sampling are located on the Virginia Department of Health Web site at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/BeachMonitoring.
For additional information, contact Brad DeLashmutt, Virginia Beach Health Department at 757-518-2727.
BAC Capital Improvement Projects’ Briefing
View and download PDF of presentation briefing. (27 page PDF)
PDF includes info such as:
Completed Projects FY17
Shore Drive Bike Facilities CIP 2-300.101
• EB & WB On road bike lanes from Diamond Springs Road to
Northampton Boulevard, approx. 3 miles.
• Completed February 2017
• Total Project Cost: $4.4M
Crab Creek & Long Creek Dredging CIP 8-011 • Spot dredging to address shoaling
• Completed February 2017 • Total Project Cost: $285K
Lynnhaven Inlet Maintenance Dredging • Minor dredging to address shoaling
• Completed August 2016
• Annualized Payments to USACE – $363K
CIP 8-013
#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager: “Thursday July 6th, beginning at 12:01 AM and ending at 4:00 AM – Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will be reduced to a single lane.”
Update from Email:
Folks:
Last week we successfully accomplished a major milestone in the project – moving the gantry crane from the north side of Shore Drive to the south side of Shore Drive and into position to begin assembly of the eastbound bridge superstructure segments. To do this, we had to close Shore Drive and setup a long detour until the move could be completed. The last piece of this move is to remove the two beams that are currently located on the western end of the bridge crossing Shore Drive.
Unlike the first two phases of this gantry crane move, a detour WILL NOT be required to remove these two beams. NEXT Thursday July 6th, beginning at 12:01 AM and ending at 4:00 AM – Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will be reduced to a single lane and a flagger operation will control the direction of traffic across the bridge. Therefore, motorists should be PREPARED TO STOP on their approach to the bridge during this time period.
Bridge crossing delays of up to 15 minutes should be expected and motorists may want to plan an alternate route while these two beams are removed.
Area of Work and Restricted Traffic on Lesner Bridge July 6, 2017 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Please note that on Wednesday July 5th, beginning at 10:00 PM Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will be reduced to a single lane in each direction in preparation for the flagger operation that will begin at midnight.
We appreciate your patience regarding these traffic interruptions along Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge!
Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day! …and of course 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
Have info about an assault on April 4th near Brock Environmental Center & Dinwiddie Road ?
Learn more at Southside Daily:
Later, the victim’s brother and mom were called by an unknown person saying they’d found the victim’s belongings and wanted to return them. The victim called that number, but did not get a response.
No one has been arrested in connection with the assault and robbery. Anyone with information on these crimes should call the Virginia Beach Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
CRS presentation made at SDCC Meeting June 26 ’17
Presentation made about CRS by the very capable and friendly Whitney K. McNamara Virginia Beach Planning Department.
View and download 8 page PDF here.
View more about CRS at SDCC.info/Hot.
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.
As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:
Reduce flood damage to insurable property;
Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
Special Presentation – VB Participation in CRS Program – Monday June 26th at 7:30pm
SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation
A presentation on Virginia Beach’s participation in the FEMA/HUD Community Rating System (CRS) will be made by Ms. Whitney McNamara, City’s Environment and Sustainability Office. Ms. McNamara will be providing an update on City’s progress in joining this program that will help residents save money on their flood insurance premiums and help improve overall city flood management plans.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held on Monday June 26th at 7:30pm in the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad hall (3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455)
Additional background information regarding CRS program and efforts to date can be found below:
- CRS Ratings for Hampton Roads Cities and Definitions – CRS City Ratings and Definition
- 2015 VB City Report Recommending Applying to CRS Program –4 CommunityRatingSystemPolicyReport
- Norfolk CRS Rating Improves and Saves Tax Payers Money – Virginian-Pilot Article
- FEMA Notice on Norfolk CRS Improvement – FEMA website notice
We hope you can attend this informative meeting on a very important topic for the Bayfront neighborhoods.
Monday June 26th – SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 6.26.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday June 26, 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 – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD’s CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.
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. Presentation made by developer to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) at June meeting. Project lawyer informs that the dredge transfer easement will be included in the zoning boundary that includes the wetlands and open space.
Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board. Request was withdrawn. No new date has been scheduled.
Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle – Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Send comments to Todd@sdcc.info Comments will be collected and forwarded to City and HRT. Route operating times shown below.
Daily, May 21 – Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 – October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes
Pleasure House Point Management Plan – SDCC has asked City staff for the most up to date information regarding the management plan and the CIP that identifies the creation of a wetlands mitigation bank, parking lot, rest rooms and kayak launch. SDCC has also requested the reconvening of the PHP Management Task Force that helped create the draft of the management plan.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
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.
Civic Engagement Opportunities:
Community Meetings to discuss options for the new City Hall (more info here)
July 26 5-6 pm Virtual – on Facebook Live
July 26 6-8 pm Virginia Beach Convention Center
August 23 6-8 pm Westin Hotel Ballroom, Town Center
Upcoming Presentations:
July 31st – (Proposed but not confirmed) – Mermaid Winery development planned for the old Foon’s restaurant next to Beach Buggy car wash. Existing building would be used for a Winery and Restaurant.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 31, 2017
#LESNERBRIDGE open tonight.
Bridge closure is cancelled.
Last night pics.
#LESNERBRIDGE IS CLOSING for BRIEF period of time soon!
From the classic update from a comedian in COVB Media and a guy from Public Works who <3 the Lesner:
This move will be conducted over three nights: June 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Structural Scholars/Bridge Aficionados/Bored Readers:
For those of you who were wondering: “What am I going to read on the beach this weekend,” or “What can I read late at night that will stir me intellectually and heighten my awareness about structural engineering,” I have an answer – Before you is the latest from the Czar of Bridges, Chris Wojo, the Kingfish.
This is IMPORTANT information, so please take note. The Fish speaks of moving the gantry, substructure work, overheight vehicles, and most importantly . . . CLOSING SHORE DRIVE for a BRIEF period. He has gone to great pains to scratch out everything in details, and I have gone to great pains to check for spelling and punctuation errors . . . I know, it’s dirty work, but someone has to do it. It’s my lot in life.
There truly is a lot of information here and we are doing everything we can to get the word out to the local community so that everyone is aware of what will be taking place. Chris and his team have worked very hard to schedule everything so that there is a minimum of inconvenience to everyone.
We will be posting the latest info on our web pages, as well as the City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you know of an organization or groups we should alert, please let me know and I will be glad to contact them. And if you haven’t already signed up for the City’s FB page or Twitter account, I encourage you to do so so that you receive timely updates from all things City-related.
As always, we appreciate your questions and e-mails, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.
If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.
Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. So . . . 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*****************************************
Folks:
A lot of you have been asking, “When is the gantry going to be moved?” Now that time has come. I hope most of you have heard about or seen the message on the portable signs on Shore Drive:
LES BRDG CLOSED 12AM-4AM
JUNE 19 THRU JUNE 24We have reached that point in the construction schedule where we need the gantry crane that is currently stored on the north side of Shore Drive to be put in place so that the superstructure of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge can be assembled.
To do this, we need to temporarily close Shore Drive to slide the gantry over the roadway and into position on the south side of Shore Drive.
This move will be conducted over three nights: June 19th, 20th, and 21st.
We will need short-term closures of Shore Drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 4 am, so as to disrupt as little traffic as possible. Note: One lane of the bridge will be kept open for use by emergency vehicles. In the event that emergency vehicles need to cross the bridge during this time, work will be temporarily halted to let the emergency vehicles cross the bridge. The detour route for all other vehicles during these dates and times is provided below.
Detour Route for the Temporary Short-Term Closure of Lesner Bridge
The move of the gantry crane will take place with the following anticipated schedule:
Monday, June 19th: 12 midnight through 4 am.
We will be:
+ Installing two support beams across Shore Drive to connect the falsework on the north side of the bridge to the falsework located on the south side
+ Connecting cables from the winches located on the south side of the bridge to the gantry located on the north side.
+ Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.
NOTE: OVERHEAD CLEARANCE WILL BE 13’9” THEREFORE, OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO USE ANOTHER ROUTE UNTIL THE SUPPORT BEAMS ARE REMOVED
Tuesday, June 20th: 12 midnight until 4 a.m.
We will be:
+ Completing preparations to the gantry rolling system and survey the falsework to ensure proper alignment of the channels.
+ Winching the gantry across Shore Drive and onto the falsework located on the south side of the bridge.
+ Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.
NOTE: AGAIN . . . OVERHEAD CLEARANCE WILL BE 13’9” THEREFORE, OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO USE ANOTHER ROUTE UNTIL THE SUPPORT BEAMS ARE REMOVED.
Wednesday, June 21st: 12 midnight until 4 a.m.
We will be:
+ Removing the two support beams from the falsework that crosses Shore Drive.
+ Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.
NOTE: NO RESTRICTIONS TO OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES.
Gantry Support Falsework
Gantry Move
Other Bridge Construction News:
In addition to the preparations being made for the gantry move, substructure work on the new bridge continues.
Piers 1 and 2 (of 9) of the new eastbound bridge have been completed. All of the drilled shaft foundations and the footing for Pier 3 have been completed and only one drilled shaft remains to be installed for the foundation at Pier 4.Reinforcing Steel at Pier Column 3
As McLean continues to build the new bridge substructure from the west, they are also continuing the demolition of the old bridges to the east and have completed approximately 80% of this demolition.
Bridge Demolition on the East side of Lynnhaven Inlet
AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 143 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;
+ Place concrete and complete construction of Pier #3;
+ Place reinforcing steel and concrete in the footing for Pier #4;
+ Install the falsework and seal slab for Pier #5;
+ Install the falsework and seal slab for Pier #6:
+ 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 mast arm on the southeast corner of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street (to be done during the night of the Shore Drive Road closure on June 19th – 20th).
Other information regarding the status of the bridge construction can also be found at http://www.vbgov.com\lesner-bridge
As always, please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this project and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Drive Safely!
-ChrisChristopher 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
4pm meeting at Brock about proposed parking lot CANCELLED
We will keep you informed when we know more.
Thank you for your continued efforts.
Monday May 22nd SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 5.22.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday May 22, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Note date is a week early due to Memorial Day
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation Lesner Bridge Sculpture “The Canoes” – Ms. Nina Goodale-Salazar, Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach will explain the process for choosing the piece and will also discuss how it is being funded.
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. Presentation made to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC). Councilman Jim Wood questioning why a traffic light isn’t warranted at the intersection of North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive.
Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Update on proposed commercial building with a deck bar proposed for wooded, wetland area west of 7-11. Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle Starting May 21, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. Daily, May 21 to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes. Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 to October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes
New Business
City Proposed Parking Lot and Kayak Launch at Pleasure House Point (PHP)- Update on the City’s plans to create a kayak launch and supporting 16 space parking lot on the natural park at PHP. City says the plans were always part of the Management Plan for PHP. What happens next? Are the additions really necessary?
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
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.
Upcoming Presentations:
June 26th – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 26, 2017
“Virginia Beach plans to clear trees at a trailhead near the corner of Mystic Cove and Marlin Bay drives to make room for a 16-space parking lot, walkways and kayak launch.”
Recent press about the proposed parking lot in Pleasure House Point Natural Area.
View article, photos and comment at Pilotonline.com:
City officials told residents about the plan May 4 at the Ocean Park Civic League meeting. Ocean Park borders Pleasure House Point.
Some residents think it’s hypocritical of the city to buy the land for conservation and then destroy part of it.
Right now plans include a kayak launch, a pedestrian bridge, more trails, and of course the parking lot. Past drawings of the site included bathrooms and lights, but right now the city says the money just isn’t there. Julie Braley with Parks and Recreation says there are some misconceptions with the project.
This website is also a public record including documentation, news and more about Pleasure House Point since 2003.
“I think we have been under the radar for years without a lot of attention,” Lundgren said of the frequent flooding on Lauderdale Avenue. “I don’t think people realize how severe the flooding is over here. We have been forgotten.”
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 . . .
#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.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 
