Category Archives: Safety

We donated $250 to Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

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

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

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

Start here:

Todd presenting Brant with our $250 donation

Todd presenting Brant with our $250 donation


Moments after receiving our donation

Moments after receiving our donation

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

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December 15 2015 update:

Lesner Bridge Fans and Holiday Revelers:

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

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

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

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch this construction sequence animation, please check it out:

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. Please enjoy the holidays and your time with family and friends.

AND PLEASE STAY SAFE . . . . !

Drew Lankford

Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

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

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

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

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

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

Completed Spans 1 and 2 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Spans 1 and 2 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Column and Footing for Pier 4

Completed Column and Footing for Pier 4


Pier segment being positioned at Pier Column 3

Pier segment being positioned at Pier Column 3

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

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

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

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

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

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday Season!

– Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE

Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

“The robbery was reported shortly before 12:20 a.m. at the Chanello’s in the 2200 block of Pleasure House Road, dispatchers said.”

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At Pilotonline.com.

The two in police custody were taken to a hospital, but their injuries were unclear.

At WAVY.com.

Police say they recovered some stolen items from the Chanello’s from the suspect’s car.

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Photo Credit: WAVY.com

Special Presentation Tonight – Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Study Results

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trolley 2

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

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

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

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

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

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

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October 16th 2015 update:

To All the Travelers and Fans of the Lesner Bridge:

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

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

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch this construction sequence animation, please check it out.

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. Enjoy the fall days and great weather – nor’easters and Joaquin aside – as we ease into cooler days and nights.

Take care, and stay safe.

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

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Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s about it for now.

Drive safely!

– Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

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

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

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

CLICK TO GET TO APPOINTMENT PAGE

CLICK TO GET TO APPOINTMENT PAGE

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

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· Supportive of Volunteer Rescue Squad

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

· Needs to have Experience/Background in the following:

    o Sea Level Rise

    o Master Planning

    o Safety & Environmental Health

    o Dealing with Military

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

· Should be coming from a tourism city/area

· Familiar with the Dillon Rule

· Embraces and supports Civic Engagement

· Practices unbiased/impartial decision making

· Embraces and supports Complete Streets concept

· Should be a cyclist or commute by bike

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

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

Business Avatars Set

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS NOW

Have you submitted your ideas ?

Deadline today September 30 2015 at 5pm.

START HERE.

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

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September 29th 2015 update:

To All Lesner Bridge Aficionados:

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

Work at the bridge is picking up momentum and things are changing weekly. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out what is going on there, please do so. It really is quite impressive.

Below is the latest collection of news and snappy photos. Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch this construction sequence animation, please check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBGfmBs6Efw&feature=youtu.be

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

Thanks again for all of your patience throughout this project. Enjoy the Indian summer as we ease into cooler days and nights. And please – no one say the word “snow.”

Take care, and stay safe.

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

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

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

Bridge Segment at Abutment A (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Segment at Abutment A (Westbound Bridge)


Bridge Segments at Pier #1 (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Segments at Pier #1 (Westbound Bridge)

Span 1 Bridge Segments in Ready Position (Westbound Bridge)

Span 1 Bridge Segments in Ready Position (Westbound Bridge)

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

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

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

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

Cofferdam at Pier #7 (Westbound Bridge)

Cofferdam at Pier #7 (Westbound Bridge)

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

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

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

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

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

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

Ø Complete the footing for Pier #4

Ø Complete the footing for Pier #6

Ø Grade the footing for Pier #7

Ø Complete construction of Abutment B

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

That’s it for now. Drive safely!

– Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

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

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

“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. 

#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.

Contact Virginia Marine Police for Marine Violations and Emergencies

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At tonight’s SDCC meeting a member asked who should be contacted to report illegal crabbing on the Bay.  The following may help with this issue as well as other marine violations or emergencies.

Virginia Marine Police check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents or conducting educational programs.  They also conduct search and rescue operations, enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, investigate boating accidents and criminal activity, and provide counter-terrorism patrols to our military installations, shipyards, nuclear power plants, and other high-value maritime assets.

For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646.

For more information, check out the Virginia Marine Police website by clicking here

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.

 

Accident on Shore Drive with school bus this morning.

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News including more photos and video at WTKR.com. (Please note: Audio starts by default at WTKR.com.)

A white SUV and red pick-up truck were also involved in the crash. Both had to be towed from the scene.

Photo by Steven Linne, WTKR Viewer.

Photo by Steven Linne, WTKR Viewer.