Learn more at VA Coastal Policy Clinic at W&M Law School event page.
[Note: Thank you for the many emails pointing out we had the incorrect date initially. You passed the test.]
The 2009 Comprehensive plan and details can be found on the City’s website by clicking here
The ‘plan’ is City Council’s official statement regarding how the physical development of the City should be directed for at least the next 20 years. It must be stressed, however, that the Comprehensive Plan (the ‘Plan’ hereinafter) does not claim and should not claim to have precise answers to all of the issues that may arise over time. The Plan’s role is the establishment of the policy framework within which operates a continuous planning process. That process is a vital means of implementing the recommendations of the Plan and revising the Plan as necessary in response to the unseen issues and opportunities that the future always provides. In that regard, this Plan is a ‘living plan,’ as it is not intended for the Plan to remain just as it is when adopted. The intent is for the Plan to interact with the various situations where it has a role and to be open to change as necessary to respond to recognized challenges and opportunities. The Plan should always be evolving in response to its environment.
The pillars on a boardwalk at the Cape Henry beach in Virginia Beach are exposed Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, after recent storms that washed away about 15 feet of dune. (Thé N. Pham | The Virginian-Pilot)
A city beach replenishment last shored up the dune in 2010, said Mike Mundy, a city water resources engineer. The area is scheduled to get more sand in 2016.
A wall of sand on the Jefferson-Raleigh Beach Path in Ocean Park. Photo swiped from Linda from OP Facebook Group page.
October 30th 2014 UPDATE:
Happy Halloween! Our news update for the bridge project is in NO WAY as frightful as the candy-craving minions who will be roaming the streets of Virginia Beach this evening!
The installation of the conduits beneath Shore Drive and East Stratford Street has been completed. For these next two weeks there are no scheduled daytime lane closures within the Lesner Bridge project limits.
Beginning on Monday, November 3rd, however, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) will begin their work on the existing sanitary sewer forcemain in WB Shore Drive. HRSD will mobilize two construction crews; one located at Shore Drive/Rockbridge Road and one at Shore Drive/Kleen Street. They will begin work on the active forcemain in order to remove from service the portion of this forcemain that crosses the existing westbound Lesner Bridge.
The first week of HRSD’s work will involve setting up their traffic control. None of this work will require long term lane closures on Shore Drive. There will likely be daytime lane closures the week of November 3rd as they setup the temporary barrier service on westbound Shore Drive at Kleen Street and build the temporary lane shift at Rockbridge Road.
The actual work to excavate, cut and cap the forcemain will take place the week of November 10th through Saturday November 15th. Restoration work of the roadway and work areas will take place the week of November 17th. All work, including equipment demobilization and removal of the temporary traffic control, should be completed by November 24th.
As for the latest bridge construction progress:
Ø Construction of the new bridge abutment “A” continues on the west side of the Lynnhaven Inlet. The first concrete pour on the new bridge abutment took place on Wednesday, October 29th. Placement of the reinforcing steel and formwork for the second tier of the abutment will take place the week of November 3rd.
Ø All of the drilled shafts at Piers 1 and 2 have been installed. Over the next two weeks the Contractor will mobilize equipment to Pier #3, the first in-water pier to be constructed on this project. Also within the next two weeks the Contractor will begin preparing the excavation at Pier #1 for the formwork of the concrete cap.
The temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site (LDMSS) continues. The tie-back system on the new bulkhead is nearly complete. Construction of the tie-back and waler system on the temporary bulkhead will be completed by Wednesday, November 5th. Placement of the formwork and steel reinforcing for the concrete cap on the bulkhead will also continue through November 5th.
Wick drain installation for the new westbound bridge approach located on the east side of the bridge between Page Avenue and the existing bridge abutment continues. On the west side of the bridge – in front of 3556 On the Bay Condominiums – the subgrade has been prepared for the foundation of the new retaining wall. Between November 5th and November 7th the Contractor will begin to form and place the concrete footing support for the new retaining wall. Delivery of the first concrete panels for the new wall is expected Friday, November 7th.
On the east side of the bridge drainage work also continues. The new storm drainage structures are being placed along Cape Henry Drive in front of Bubba’s and the Lesner Inn. The temporary steel sheeting installed at the corner of Shore Drive and Vista Circle will be removed between November 5th and November 7th. After this is removed, work will begin to install 36-inch stormwater pipe from the structure to the existing 36-inch pipe located on the south side of Cape Henry Drive.
At some point during this construction Cape Henry Drive will be reduced to one lane and the Contractor will have to provide a flagger to control traffic on this road until the new pipe can be installed. Once we have a better idea of schedule for this work, we will issue another project updated with specific dates and estimated duration of the work.
Finally, unrelated to the bridge construction but contributing to the amount of construction work now taking place within the Lynnhaven Inlet and along Cape Henry Drive, is the Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) transmission line rehab work. This is just an FYI to all of you who are curious as to what is going on with the old transmission lines and towers.
DVP is replacing a number of wooden poles and structures along Cape Henry Drive and along the south side of Shore Drive near the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps with galvanized steel monopoles. They will also be installing two new transmission line towers to replace the two aging towers that are currently located in the Lynnhaven Inlet. The new tower on the east side of the inlet (by the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association) will be installed approximately 210 feet east of the current tower location. The new tower on the west side of the inlet (Lynnhaven Boat Ramp) will be installed approximately 25 feet west of the current tower location. This will result in a new tower spacing of 810 feet that is significantly greater than the current 575 foot spacing.
That’s it for now. Have a safe driving weekend, and keep an eye out for those munchkins roaming the streets tonight!
-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
Zoomed in screen shot of construction cam photo taken at 10am OCT30 2014
That means you!
One of the reasons you still have time to comment is the work that Shore Drive Community Coalition – your neighbors – does to ensure We The People have a stronger voice.
Updates, info & more at VBGov.com.
Virtual Town Hall to share your input now. 
Have a voice in your neighborhood now!
October 17 2014 UPDATE:
Expect more daytime lane closures today, as well as Monday and Tuesday of next week on eastbound Shore Drive between East Stratford Street and the Lesner Bridge.
Today, October 17th and Monday October 20th, the electrical contractor will complete the boring of the new electrical conduit beneath East Stratford Street from the Sushi Restaurant to J&A Racing. Then on Tuesday October 21st the contractor will repair several potholes that have formed on Shore Drive east of East Stratford Street.
*** This work will require a SINGLE LANE CLOSURE on eastbound Shore Drive between East Stratford Street and the Lesner Bridge between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm for each day of work.
During this work, a police officer will be located at the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street to assist with vehicles entering and leaving East Stratford Street from Shore Drive.
The last project update mentioned that several recently placed concrete traffic barriers located on westbound Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the Lesner Bridge had to be replaced and would also require a daytime westbound lane closure to do this work. In lieu of replacement, the contractor is considering repair of these three temporary barriers. Because of that, no daytime lane closure on westbound Shore Drive at Page Avenue is planned at this time.
As for the latest progress:
Construction of the new bridge abutment “A” continues on the west side of the Lynnhaven Inlet. Formwork for the new westbound bridge abutment is now being constructed and is expected to be completed by October 24th. Concrete for the new abutment will likely be placed the week of October 27th.
Two of the four 4’ diameter x 95’ deep shafts have already been constructed at bridge Pier #2. Construction of the two remaining shafts at Pier #2 will be completed by the week of October 20th.
The temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site (LDMSS) continues. The tie-back system on the new bulkhead will begin to be installed the week of October 20th and is anticipated to be complete by Friday, October 24th. The formwork for the concrete cap on the temporary bulkhead will likely be completed by October 31st.
Grading and preparation of the new westbound bridge approach located on the east side of the bridge between Page Avenue and the existing bridge abutment continues. The contractor is currently excavating the foundation for the new retaining wall that will be installed between 3556 On the Bay Condominiums and Shore Drive.
They also are continuing to install wick drains in the westbound bridge approach area between Page Avenue and the bridge. (“Wick Drains” are being used to accelerate the consolidation of a soft, compressible clay layer that exists approximately 50 feet below grade. As we place select fill material to build up the new bridge approaches, we want to accelerate and greatly increase the consolidation and settlement of this soft layer prior to building the new roadway).
We will continue to keep you informed of our progress as we move forward with this important project.
Have a safe driving weekend!
-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
Zoomed in screen shot of construction cam photo taken at 2pm OCT17 2014
Bad accident.
Happening now 550pm.
October 10th 2014 update:
Last week we sent out an update on the progress of the Lesner Bridge construction. Before we give you the latest update, we want to let you know now about upcoming lane closures.
On Monday, October 13th and Tuesday October 14th, the electrical contractor will be boring new electrical conduit beneath East Stratford Street from the Sushi Restaurant to J&A Racing. Then on Wednesday October 15th and Thursday October 16th, the electrical contractor will bore beneath Shore Drive from the Sushi Restaurant to the corner near 3556 On the Bay.
*** This work will require a LANE CLOSURE on eastbound Shore Drive between DuPont Circle and East Stratford Street between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm for each day of work.
During this work, a police officer will be located at the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street to assist with vehicles entering and leaving East Stratford Street from Shore Drive.
Also, no specific day was given by the contractor, but one lane of westbound Shore Drive will be temporarily closed next week from Page Avenue to the existing bridge so that several of the recently placed concrete barriers can be replaced.
This lane closure, when it happens, will take place sometime between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. As soon as we get a firm date and time, we will send out the information to you.
As for the latest progress:
As of today, all of the drilled shafts for the new bridge abutment “A” and Pier #1 located just east of 3556 On the Bay condominiums have been completed. Equipment has been relocated to Pier #2 and drilling of the shafts at Pier #2 has begun. It is expected that all of the drilled shafts for Pier #2 will be completed by the week of October 20th.
Just in case some of you were wondering, spacing between the pier centerlines is 150 feet, except for the center span of the new bridge. Pier spacing at the center span is 225 feet.
The temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site (LDMSS) continues. The deadmen for the tie-back system on the new bulkhead has been installed and formwork for the concrete cap continues to be installed. This work will continue through at least the week of October 20th.
Grading and preparation of the new westbound bridge approach located on the east side of the bridge between Page Avenue and the existing bridge abutment continues. Over the next two weeks the excavation contractor will be preparing this area, as well as the area between East Stratford Street and the existing bridge, for the new retaining wall that will be located on the north side of Shore Drive.
This bridge project will also relocate and replace the existing traffic signals located at either end of the bridge; one at Shore Drive/East Stratford Street and one at Shore Drive/Vista Circle/Page Avenue. The work will take place in phases over the next several months.
That’s it for now.
Have a Safe Driving Weekend!
-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
Emphasis ours.
screen shot of Construction Cam from today at 730a
A full list of Palma’s charges can be found below:
1. No Virginia safety inspection
2. Fail to display license plates
3. Operating an unregistered vehicle
4. Display fictitious registration
5. No liability insurance
6. Driving while suspended/revoked 7th offense within 10 years
7. Possession of stolen plates
8. Felony hit and run on a marked State Police car
9. Hit and run on property exceeding $10,000
10. Felony elude
Online court records show his arraignment is at 2 p.m.
A man faces 10 charges after a police pursuit Sunday that included crashes into a Virginia State Police car and two other vehicles along with a fence and a jet ski trailer.
State Police with the assistance of Virginia Beach Police, searched for the suspect to no avail.
Virginia Beach Police say Sam A. Palma II was arrested on Thursday, October 9th around 8:00 p.m.
Link at YouTube.
Note smoke in upper right.
Authorities continue to search for a driver they say led State Police on a wild chase before smashing into several vehicles at a shopping center and fleeing the scene on foot.
Video & story on Channel 3 & 10 tonight.
We do not know why or for how long.
That being said, the next anticipated lane closure related to the bridge work will occur on westbound Shore Drive between the bridge and Page Avenue next Monday, October 6th and Tuesday October 7th.
Please spread the word.
State Police shared:
NOT EASTBOUND
POSSIBLE HIT & RUN
NOT EASTBOUND
SEVERAL CARD INVOLVED RIGHT NOW
AVOID EASTBOUND
The October 2 2014 update:
To begin this update, the project team has received a number of requests from citizens to have more consistent project updates. We are glad to do that, so each week we will send out an update that includes a two-week “look ahead” schedule so that everyone will know what impacts from the project can be expected – including any lane closures.
With the recent lane shift on westbound Shore Drive at Page Avenue, we have completed our Phase 2 Maintenance of Traffic (MOT). This will be the new traffic pattern for at least the next 12-14 months while we build the new westbound Lesner Bridge.
Any DAYTIME lane closures that are needed will be setup by 9:00 AM and removed by 3:00 PM the same day. NIGHTIME lane closures, when they occur, will be from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
That being said, the next anticipated lane closure related to the bridge work will occur on westbound Shore Drive between the bridge and Page Avenue next Monday, October 6th and Tuesday October 7th. This closure is only temporary and is needed so that the contractor can install concrete barrier service in this area and remove the orange traffic barrels (just like what was done on the west side of the bridge). It is expected that this lane closure will occur at night, but it is possible that this may occur during the day between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Over the next two weeks the contractor will complete the drilled shaft work at bridge Abutment A and Pier 1. Foundation construction will start at Pier 2 on Tuesday, October 7th 2014, and continue into the week of October 13th. During this same time period wick drains will continue to be installed along the north side of Shore Drive on the west side of the bridge (in front of 3556 On the Bay Condominiums). Abutment A is located on the west side of the Lynnhaven Inlet and Abutment B is on the eastside. There are 9 piers for each bridge. Pier #1 is located west of the inlet and Pier #9 is located on the eastside of the inlet.
All of the steel sheets for the temporary bulkhead located at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Area have been installed. During the weeks of October 6th and October 13th, formwork and the tie-back system for this bulkhead will be constructed.
The 18-inch sanitary sewer forcemain that crosses the existing westbound Lesner Bridge needs to be taken out of service for us to continue with the new bridge construction. Over the past several months, the City and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) have been coordinating this effort. In order for HRSD to take this large forcemain out of service, two linestops will have to be installed in the line; one at the intersection of Shore Drive and Rockbridge Road and one just west of Kleen Street (in front of Mango’s Grill).
HRSD will not implement any lane closures for this work, but they will need to install a concrete barrier along the shoulder west of Kleen Street, and install some temporary pavement in the median of Shore Drive across from Rockbridge Road. They anticipate this work to begin the week of October 13th, 2014 and continue thru Friday, October 17th. This schedule is subject to change, but we will provide a more up-to-date schedule in next week’s Lesner Bridge project update.
As a reminder, the speed limit over the Lesner Bridge is 35 MPH. Although it’s easy to exceed 35 MPH on Shore Drive, the temporary lane shifts on Shore Drive at both the eastbound and westbound Lesner Bridge are only designed for 35 MPH. Exceeding this speed limit through the construction zone not only risks your safety, but the safety of the bridge construction workers and any pedestrians/cyclists crossing the bridge.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed helpful tips for how we could make things better for the road users through this busy corridor!
Emphasis ours.
# # #
Follow @LesnerBridge in Twitter!
Some of you, including me, have been thrown off by the ROAD CLOSED sign on the east side of the #LESNERBRIDGE.
It’s being changed.
Please have McLean remove the ROAD CLOSED sign from the TYPE III Barrier located on WB Shore Drive at Page Avenue and replace it with a WI-6 ARROW. Also have them replace the TYPE III barricade with one that has hash marks as shown in the attached plan.
Lanes shifted on east side.
Not sure why the choice is a ROAD CLOSED sign vs one of those shifting arrows signs.
Understand the infamous “speed bump” eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle/Starbucks will be repaired.
MUP won’t be blocked by parked vehicles again.
Be safe!
MUP = Multi Use Path
In case you didn’t know.
View entire article at VBGov.com.
About our area:
Neighborhoods such as Bay Island, Lynnhaven Colony, Ocean Park and a few others are directly adjacent to tidal waters. Streets and developed land in these neighborhoods are sometimes so low lying that during higher tides, there is no practical way to stop that tide from encroaching on those properties.
At the direction of City Council, Public Works has initiated a sea level rise study to identify all the vulnerable areas in the city and then determine what type of adaptation strategies could be employed to reduce those impacts.
How Virginia Beach was scored includes:
Virginia Beach scores very well based on those criteria. However, this ranking didn’t account for sea level rise. Coastal Virginia has land subsidence issues— just a fraction of an inch each year — but our relative sea level rise is greater than what it might be in other parts of the country because of it.
Sea level rise and coastal protection:
“Sea level rise has been happening since we started recording the sea surface elevation,” says Roehrs. “In fact, since Jamestown was settled, sea level has risen almost two feet, but it is a very slow process, and people generally adapt.”
WHAT CAN YOU DO ?
What can you can do to help reduce flood risk?
1.To help the stormwater drainage system work well, there are a few things individual citizens can do. First, keep leaf debris and grass clippings from entering the system — rake and bag yard waste and keep the gutter clean. Sweep sediments up and add them to your garden; don’t let them wash down the drain and create clogs.2.During periods of heavy rainfall, large impermeable surfaces generate large amounts of runoff. This sudden influx of runoff can cause flash flooding. Consider reducing non-permeable surfaces such as asphalt and concrete on your property. Instead, use materials that allow water to enter the soil such as mulch, gravel or permeable pavers.
Reduce storm water heading into the Lynnhaven for the Lynnhaven oysters too.
Screen grab of construction camera. Updated every 30 minutes.
Note: We are doing our best to try to get advance notice of lane closures.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 