#LESNERBRIDGE open. Avoid driving best.
#LESNERBRIDGE CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
“Council Extends Deadline for Waiver of Permit Fees for Disaster Repairs People now have until April 10, 2017 to get permits for repairs related to Hurricane Matthew.”
“Homeowners are just now receiving funds from their insurance companies and FEMA, so they needed more time to apply for permits and hire contractors to help with home repairs,” said Barry Frankenfield, director of Planning & Community Development. “We want to make it a little bit easier for property owners to get necessary repairs completed properly and safely. This extension will help homeowners continue to recover from damages caused by Hurricane Matthew.”
Click graphic to visit news page
“Live Oak Grove is over 100 live oaks on 3 acres of open space in Virginia Beach. Let’s permanently preserve it.” SDCC agrees.
SDCC voted unanimously to support permanently preserving Live Oak Grove. Join us ?
Live Oak Grove benefits Virginia Beach.
It is land already owned by City of Virginia Beach.
It contains over 100 live oaks, the Official City Tree…
Photo Credit: Kristina Bezanson
People in Cape Story lost everything in a fire Christmas Day.
There’s a fund raising page at GoFundMe.com to help them out.
Once they got their animals to safety they realized it was too late and everything in their house was engulfed in dark black smoke followed by whirling tornadoes of thick gray smog everywhere.
The family did not have renters insurance.
#LESNERBRIDGE update: “…traffic switch is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday December 29th. As always, this schedule is dependent upon the weather, as well as when …”
Email December 21st 2016:
Friends, Residents, Elves and Everything in Between (not that I want to know what THAT is!)
Despite being knee-deep in Christmas shopping and wrapping, not to mention going through egg nog like it’s water, Kingfish Chris, the bridgemaster, has passed along an update about the always interesting Lesner Bridge. And although it’s a bit uncomfortable trying to sit down and type this in an elf costume, I’m doing so because feel sure you would like to have this info before we get too deep into the holiday spirit.
As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.
If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.
Our last bit of advice: If someone approaches you claiming to be one of Santa’s elves, ask to see some ID. It could be one of those punks over at Keebler trying to pull a fast one!
Thanks to you all for your support, patience and questions. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends, and please stay safe, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353*********************************************************************************************
To All:
As many of you have seen, a lot of work has been going on at the intersections of Shore Drive/Vista Circle and Shore Drive/East Stratford Street in preparation for the Phase 4 traffic switch of eastbound Shore Drive traffic over to the new bridge. So, before we all head off into the long holiday break, we wanted to provide you this brief project update of what to expect at the Lesner Bridge over the next few weeks.
First of all, the traffic switch is tentatively scheduled for next Thursday December 29th. As always, this schedule is dependent upon the weather, as well as when the paving contractor can be at the site to place the temporary asphalt at the widened bridge approaches.
In addition, pedestrians can now use both the new westbound Lesner Bridge AND the existing sidewalk on the eastbound Lesner Bridge to cross the Lynnhaven River.
On Tuesday, January 3rd (2017), the sidewalk on the existing eastbound Lesner Bridge will be CLOSED in preparation for bridge demolition. This means that pedestrians wishing to cross over the Lynnhaven Inlet will have to use the temporary pedestrian path located on the north side of the new westbound Lesner Bridge between Page Avenue and East Stratford Street. The 4-foot wide temporary path might feel a little cramped between the new handrail and the safety screening. Don’t worry . . . . the finished path will be widened to 10 feet at the completion of the project and the temporary safety screening will be removed to provide much more room for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably share this pathway.
Cross-Section of Completed Westbound and Eastbound Lesner Bridges
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday!
– Chris
Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com
Screen shot construction cam from Dec 21 2016 430p.
SDCC General Meeting Agenda for Monday December 19th
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 12-19-16-sdcc-agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday December 19th from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – No Presentation
Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report – Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Community Rating System (CRS) – Update on the City’s progress in joining the HUD-FEMA CRS program that could save 5-20% on Flood Insurance premiums.
Proposed Marina Shores Condominium Development – Update on proposed development of 261 condos to take the place of boat dry storage and commercial building currently located on the site.
Proposed Commercial Development Near 7-11 near Shady Oaks and Shore Drive – Update on the proposed commercial development planned for the portion of land just west of the 7-11.
Shore Drive Storm Water Capital Improvement Project – Update on active CIPs 7.151.000-003 are active projects designed to improve storm water collection and removal in the neighborhoods east of the Lesner Bridge along Shore Drive.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
SDCC Vote on Proposed Shore Drive to Oceanfront Shuttle – Membership will vote on proposed trial bus service between Shore Drive and Oceanfront that will operate between May and September 2017.
SDCC Vote on Proposed Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) Proposal – FOLO is requesting support to save the City’s largest Live Oak grove currently located on City owned property.
Light Rail Funds to Support Storm Water Improvements – City Council is entertaining the idea of redirecting funds appropriated for Light Rail to help make $500 million worth of storm water improvements. What do SDCC members think about this proposal?
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 30, 2017
“Virginia Beach floats idea to use light rail money to pay for $464M in stormwater projects”
One idea presented by budget staff is to use $7.3 million of the $27.3 million light rail fund to jump-start paying for some of the drainage projects. In addition, 1.8 cents of the real estate tax rate that is going toward light rail could be redirected to pay for stormwater improvements.
That would require City Council approval.
Mazda racing down Shore Drive at ~ 90MPH + flips and crashes in front of Chesapeake House. Driver flees scene.
Happened last night, Monday, about 855pm.
We were going to link to news coverage but there is none. (You can read that sentence again.)
Unbelievably no one was hurt. No idea the condition of the driver for this post.
Driver still not apprehended:
The description was a white male, shaved head wearing a black jacket with writing or a picture on the back.
Photo credit: Ocean Park Facebook Page thread on accident
Photo credit: Ocean Park Facebook Page thread on accident
Photo credit: Ocean Park Facebook Page thread on accident
“Virginia Beach Public Works has announced that crews will begin roadway improvement on Shore Drive beginning Sunday, December 4, 2016. The project will include both the eastbound and westbound lanes on Shore Drive from Independence Boulevard to Greenwell Road.”
From an email update:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
December 2, 2016 Drew Lankford, (757) 385-8062
(757) 409-4353
dlankfor@vbgov.comRoadway Improvements for Shore Drive to Begin Sunday Night
Virginia Beach Public Works has announced that crews will begin roadway improvement on Shore Drive beginning Sunday, December 4, 2016.
The project will include both the eastbound and westbound lanes on Shore Drive from Independence Boulevard to Greenwell Road.
Crews will be milling, paving, and pavement marking from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. each day.
If any day time work is needed, the hours will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Any weekend work – if needed – will be from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The work is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2016.
The project and the milling and paving operation is likely to produce traffic delays, congestion and some construction noise. Advanced warning signs will be clearly posted advising motorists of lane closures.
Citizens are urged to use alternate traffic routes when possible.
All scheduled work is weather permitting.
For additional information, please contact Oneil Clarke at (757) 385-2015
# # #
News Release: www.VBgov.com/PublicWorks
Baylines December Edition
#LESNERBRIDGE traffic news for this week from Project Manager
Email December 5th 2016:
Folks:
With all of the new lane closures coming up, we wanted to provide another update so everyone will know what is going on out there . . . traffic-wise . . . throughout the week.
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.
Thanks again.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353************************************************************
To All:
We know that traffic on Shore Drive in the vicinity of Lesner Bridge has been a challenging at times this week. We all appreciate your patience as we continue with the median work in preparation for moving the eastbound Shore Drive traffic onto the new bridge. Our current traffic move date for this eastbound traffic is December 21, 2016.
LEFT TURN LANE closures and LEFT THRU lane closures on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will continue into next week. So, in order to help you plan your daily commute, here is what to expect the traffic condition to look like on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge beginning TODAY, Monday, December 5th:
Monday, December 5th, 2016: The LEFT THRU lane on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm;
Tuesday, December 6th, 2016: The LEFT TURN lane on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle (to get to Page Avenue) will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM;
Wednesday, December 7th, 2016: The LEFT TURN lane on eastbound Shore Drive at East Stratford Street will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
In addition, it is possible that depending on where the actual water line is located, the eastbound LEFT THRU lane on Shore Drive at East Stratford Street may also be CLOSED during this same time period.
Thursday, December 8th, 2016: The LEFT THRU lane on eastbound Shore Drive at East Stratford Street will be CLOSED between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Phase 4 Pavement Widening on the West Side of the New Lesner Bridge
Phase 4 Pavement Widening on the East Side of the New Lesner Bridge
Again, thank you for your patience during this difficult phase of changing traffic patterns. If all goes as planned, we’ll all be celebrating more than the New Year on January 1st!
Please drive safely!
– Chris
Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com
City Seeks Feedback on Designating Roadway in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Virtual Town Hall Survey:
The City Council is considering designating one of the following roadways in King’s honor and is seeking input from Virginia Beach residents.Between now and Dec. 30, residents are invited to take the Virtual Town Hall online survey.
(Note: Anonymous responses, “Off forum”, are ignored.)
Update on CRS
What’s the CRS again?
Community Rating System (CRS) is to reward communities that are doing more than meeting the minimum NFIP requirements to help their citizens prevent or reduce flood losses. The CRS also provides an incentive for communities to initiate new flood protection activities.
Update from Whitney McNamara, City of Virginia Beach Planning and Community Development:
City Council was briefed on CRS earlier this year – in August. At that time, no formal decisions were made, it was more to make them aware that it is a program the City is exploring. At this time, we are still awaiting final approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan from FEMA and adoption by City Council. Once it is officially adopted, the plan can be sent to FEMA’s CRS consultant to review for CRS Compliance (FEMA is currently reviewing and approving it as a Hazard Mitigation Plan, not a Floodplain Management Plan). A Floodplain Management Plan is a minimum requirement for participation due to the number of repetitively flooded structures in Virginia Beach. If it is approved as a Floodplain Management Plan, the CRS program will be taken back to Council for a final decision to join or not. If and when we get the official go ahead, it is an 18-24 month process before Virginia Beach will officially be in the program, so the earliest residents would begin to receive the discounts would most likely be in 2019.
So it looks like the earliest you could start seeing Flood Insurance Premium discounts is 2019 if the COVB participates in FEMA’s CRS.
Additional resources:
- 500 Series: Flood Damage Reduction
(Pay special attention to Activity 510)
One slide from presentation
NFIP CRS City Council Presentation August 9th 2016 PDF (11pages)
More info at FEMA here:
#LESNERBRIDGE update – Additional updates will be sent out as this work progresses and we move closer to the switchover date for the eastbound Shore Drive traffic. Please be patient and drive safely through this active construction zone!
Email update November 29,2016:
Bridge Groupies and Fans of the Kingfish:
Just a quick update from the Bridge Guru – Chris W, project manager – that explains yesterday’s lane closure and a few other details. Using that smooth, chatty, engineer style of conversing that he is known for, Cap’n Chris explains what is going on this week at your nearby friendly bridge structure. Just facts, no laughs. Parse and ponder each word . . . . .
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 interest and patience throughout this project. So . . . enjoy this time of the year as you prepare for the holidays . . . . look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353**********************************************************************************************
To All:
The first phase of the two-phased traffic switch over to the new westbound Lesner Bridge took place on Friday, November 11th, when we moved the westbound Shore Drive traffic over to the new bridge. The second phase will involve temporarily moving the eastbound Shore Drive traffic also over to the new westbound bridge. Once we move all traffic off of both old bridges we will begin the demolition process in preparation for construction of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge.
In order to move the eastbound Shore Drive traffic to the new bridge, we have to widen the pavement on the new bridge approaches and build the pavement transitions at the Shore Drive/East Stratford Street and Shore Drive/Vista Circle intersections.
This work will require single lane closures on eastbound Shore Drive for the next several weeks. Beginning yesterday (Monday), and continuing through this Friday, December 2nd, a single lane closure will be in place on eastbound Shore Drive between Dupont Circle and Lesner Bridge between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Once this switch is made traffic will remain in this temporary condition until the new eastbound bridge is built. The following snapshots from the contract plans show what drivers can expect these temporary traffic lanes to look like at these two intersections:
Phase 4 Temporary Traffic Pattern at Shore Drive and East Stratford Street
Phase 4 Temporary Traffic Pattern at Shore Drive and Vista Circle
Additional updates will be sent out as this work progresses and me move closer to the switchover date for the eastbound Shore Drive traffic.
Please be patient and drive safely through this active construction zone!
– 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 westbound view taken 930am November 29th 2016
Update on Shore Drive to Oceanfront Bus Shuttle – Special Presentation Monday Nov. 28th at 7:30pm
Special Presentation – Update on Proposed Bus Shuttle between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront
by Mr. Mark Shea, Transportation Planner for City of VB
Mr. Shea will provide an update on the proposed HRT bus shuttle between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront. He will discuss cost estimates, stop locations, stop frequencies, dates of operation and next steps for this 2017 trial route. Question and answers will follow the presentation
The presentation will be part of the SDCC general meeting which takes place at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad on Monday November 28th at 7:30pm.
The meeting is open to all so bring your friends. The meeting agenda can be found by clicking here
SDCC General Meeting Agenda for Monday Nov. 28th at 7:30pm
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 11-28-16-sdcc-agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 28th from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – Update on Proposed Bus Shuttle between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront by Mr. Mark Shea, Transportation Planner for City of VB
Mr. Shea will provide an update on the proposed HRT bus shuttle between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront. He will discuss cost estimates, stop locations, stop frequencies, dates of operation and next steps for this 2017 trial route. Question and answers will follow the presentation.
Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Online Home Sharing Economy Ad Hoc Committee – Update on committee work from Tim Solanic, committee member and Ocean Park resident.
Proposed Commercial Development Near 7-11 near Shady Oaks and Shore Drive – Update on the proposed commercial development planned for the portion of land just west of the 7-11. The developer plans to fill in part of Lake Joyce and have the access to the property come through the neighborhood via Woodland Ave
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Shore Drive Storm Water Capital Improvement Project – CIPs 7.151.000-003 are active projects designed to improve storm water collection and removal in the neighborhoods east of the Lesner Bridge along Shore Drive. Tidal gates, pump stations, collection ponds are some of the methods being planned/worked. We will discuss next steps for these projects.
Community Concerns – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 19, 2016
Note this is a week early due to Christmas
#LESNERBRIDGE lane switch is happening Friday
Friday by about 3pm the westbound lanes will switch to the brand new fancy span.
Be safe !
BRIDGEWALK CANCELLED #LESNERBRIDGE
You can imagine how frustrating this is.
UPDATE: Due to a water main break that has created some damage to the new roadway at Page Avenue, this area will still be an active construction zone until the repairs are completed and therefore off-limits to pedestrians. Because of that, “walkover” of the new span of Lesner Bridge – scheduled for this Sunday – is CANCELLED.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 
