Category Archives: Safety

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.

Virginia Beach and Hurricane(s)

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Neighborhood Storm Readiness
As the city enters another hurricane season, we are reminded that we are vulnerable to nature’s furry. Most of us would like to place hurricane preparations on our “B” or “C” list of priorities because so many chores and duties take up our time. We may think that we are ready, or can be ready in just a short time, but you may be surprised at how much time it takes to prepare for a major storm. Just consider how long it takes you to pack for a trip or vacation, and that is something that you want to do. I know. I just got back from Brussels, and I am a planner.

Recently, the hurricane predictors estimated how many hurricanes the area might experience in the coming year. In my opinion, I think such a government endeavor misses the mark. It is not how many hurricanes that may impact you, but if one should hit our area. Consider that hurricane Andrew was the first hurricane that year to hit the east coast and that it was a Cat 5. South of Miami was devastated while the residents were obviously aware of a hurricane’s potential.

We can only do so much here in VB, but we can put together a basic plan for ourselves and family. The city cannot provide enough storm shelters to help out more than about 10% of the people in the most endangered flood prone areas. If you plan on evacuating the area, consider that it will be very difficult if done too late (within 36-48 hours or more before the onset of TROPICAL Force Winds).

So, if you cannot evacuate, your area floods and there are no shelters for you and your family, what are your options? Stay where you are or hope to find a friend in a safer area? I think this is the time to to consider such principle questions for your basic planning, not when the weather lady points out a developing tropical depression that is soon to be named a hurricane.

If you do anything for yourself and family, consider what you would need in a basic emergency kit for your home to provide three days of support. There are multiple sites to help with your list making and planning. SDCC will put more information on our website to help with your planning shortly.

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

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From NOAA Hurricane Center website:

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

And:

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

Outlook_2015_FINAL

Visit Hurricanes.gov to learn more.

HURRICANE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY, May 25-31 and Aug 7-9 2015

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What’s Exempt:

During both periods, purchases of certain supplies and equipment needed for hurricane preparedness will be exempt from sales tax. Retailers may also choose to absorb the tax on other items during the holiday period, but they are responsible for paying the tax on those items to the Department of Taxation.
For more information, see the attached list of tax holiday items and the frequently asked questions at Hurricane Preparedness Equipment Holiday FAQs Virginia.gov.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY
APPENDIX — LIST OF QUALIFYING ITEMS
May 25 – May 31

Sales Price of $60 or less
The following hurricane preparedness items may be purchased exempt of the Retail Sales and Use Tax during the “Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday,” provided that such items have a selling price of $60 or less per item.

• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs and reusable ice
• Batteries (excluding automobile or boat batteries), including
o AAA cell
o AA cell
o C cell
o D cell
o 6 volt
o 9 volt
o Cell phone batteries
• Any portable self-powered light sources including
o Flashlights
o Lanterns
o Glow sticks
• Tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting
• Bungee cords, rope
• Ground anchor systems or tie down kits
• Ratchet straps
• Duct tape
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks or containers
• Water storage containers
• Nonelectric food storage coolers
• Bottled water
• Manual can openers
• Portable self-powered radios (including self-powered radios with electrical power capability)
• Two-way radios
• Weather band radios and NOAA weather radios
• Storm shutter devices
• Cell phone chargers
• First Aid Kits

Sales Price of $1,000 or less
The following hurricane preparedness items may be purchased exempt of the Retail Sales and Use Tax during the “Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday,” provided that such items have a selling price of $1000 or less per item.
• Portable generators and generator power cords
• Inverters and inverter power cables

Chain saws
For the 2014 Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday period and all subsequent periods, gas-powered chain saws with a selling price of $350 or less and chain saw accessories with a sales price of $60 or less may be purchased exempt of the Retail Sales and Use Tax. The following is an all-inclusive list of the items that are deemed “chain saw accessories”:
• Chains
• Chain saw bar and nose lubricants
• Two-cycle motor oil
• Chain sharpeners and files
• Bars
• Wrenches
• Carrying cases and scabbards
• Safety apparel, including chaps, gloves, hearing protectors, helmets, and protective glasses
• Repair parts

Thanks for the info about this Empsy!

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

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May 19th 2015 update:

Friends and Fans of the Lesner Bridge Project:

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

Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and other details – – updated for your reading pleasure – from Chris Wojtowicz, poster boy and mayor of “Wojo’s World.” Please give this a look when you have the time, and feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.

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

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

Please feel free to pass this along to others. Thanks again for all of your patience throughout this project.

Enjoy the summer weather. . . AND STAY SAFE!

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

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

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

image001-4

Temporary Falsework Tower Support at Pier #1

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

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

image002-3

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

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will;

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

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

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

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

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

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

image003

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

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

Drive Safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

A biker was hit on bike trail on Monday May 18th – please call 385-5000 with info to help find driver of vehicle.

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From Cape Henry Shores Neighborhood Watch email:

A biker was hit at Bayberry St. and the bike trail on Monday 5/18 at
around 4:30 p.m. The driver of the car stopped to check on him but
then left. The person was an older lady with shoulder length gray
hair. She was driving a late model gray sedan—that now has a dent in
the front. The police were called and are seeking witnesses as well
as the person who hit him. If anyone has any information on this
driver, please call 385-5000.

“A preliminary report by the Fire Department ruled the April 23 fire accidental. It was likely caused by an electrical failure behind one of the units, Fire Investigator Alana Cooper said this afternoon.”

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More at Pilotonline.com. 

“It would have been catastrophic, so those fire crews, they did a bang-up job,” she said. “We were blessed. We didn’t lose occupants, we didn’t lose pets. Property can be replaced.”