Light Rail Construction
Construction Updates
October 6, 2008:
The wetlands mitigation contract awarded to Higgerson Buchanon in January 2008 is now substantially complete. The contractor has completed the planting of all materials for the project, and has installed a protective goose fence has been installed to facilitate successful growth during Fall 2008.
Bryant Contracting, Inc. continues its aerial structure work with pile driving of the structure trestle base piers, forming of concrete pier caps, and placement of bridge beams. They are making rapid progress with the pile driving activity and have completed work on the piers east of Norfolk Southern Railway’s Lambert's Point Branch all the way to Claiborne Avenue.
The bridge approach wall and embankment near NSU are complete. Fabrication is underway for the long track and platform spans across Brambleton Avenue. Overall, this contract is 50 percent complete.
Skanska Civil USA Southeast began its major civil contract work in January 2008 and is responsible for the work on the former Norfolk Southern Railway right-of-way on the eastern portion of the project. Demolition of the existing railroad track is complete, and pile driving for the bridge piers over Norfolk Southern Railway’s Sewell’s Point Branch is complete. Installation and pouring of the Overhead Catenary System foundations behind NSU and other graded locations are also underway. Skanska has completed the removal of the track deck of the Broad Creek bridge and is currently removing the timber piling in the creek bed. The contract is approximately 13 percent complete
Skanska Civil USA Southeast also has the major civil contract in the downtown area of Norfolk, awarded in May 2008. The contract covers utility work, track construction, traffic signals and pavement markings, as well as street and sidewalk paving throughout downtown.
The project also includes a marine bridge at Smith Creek. Skanska has mobilized for its initial bridge construction in the Smith Creek area and began demolition work at Harbor Park. One of the largest floating cranes on the East Coast, nicknamed "Hercules", is easily seen from the Brambleton Avenue bridge over Smith Creek.
Click here to view the latest presentation on the light rail construction progress.
Construction Alerts
HRT provides regular updates about traffic detours and other changes that may affect residents, businesses and commuters. Visit the Construction Alert page for more information.
Outreach Coordinators
If you are a resident, business or property owner near The Tide light rail system, your first point of contact is the Outreach Coordinator. Outreach Coordinators are available to answer questions, to provide construction updates, and to distribute project information.
You can find out more about the Outreach Coordinators and the overall public information campaign, by visiting: Staying Informed.
Sign up for Light Rail Construction e-mail updates.
Construction Safety Tips
During light rail construction it may be more challenging to get in and around the areas near The Tide alignment. HRT is committed to making sure that everyone who interacts with the light rail system does so safely. This includes construction contractors as well as motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and children walking to and from school. HRT cares about your safety. Please take a moment and review these construction safety tips:
- Construction Zone Safety
- Always walk on the sidewalk or designated walkway.
- Enter the street only at a designated crosswalk. Crossing at any other place increases the likelihood of an accident.
- Pay close attention to all posted signs. This will reduce the possibility of an incident.
- Avoid going near a construction zone whenever possible.
- Never enter a construction site. Heavy machinery and debris can be hazardous.
- Construction vehicles move quickly and suddenly. Maintain a safe distance and always be prepared for sudden stops and wide turns.
- Avoid using a cellular phone when near a construction zone. Staying alert to your surroundings reduces the likelihood of an incident.
- Driver and Bicycle Safety
- Obey traffic laws, signs and signals.
- Stay alert and adhere to detour, restricted access and speed limit signs.
- Stop on red traffic signal, and turn left only with a green arrow.
- Obey all warning signs: flashing lights, signals, and crossing gates.
- Always stop for pedestrians.
- Always stop behind the crosswalk.
- Remember to "Steer It & Clear It!" If you have an accident near a light rail construction site and your vehicle can be normally and safely driven, please move it to a safe location. Clearing your car from the roadway is safer for you and minimizes interference with existing traffic flow.
- Slow down when driving through a construction zone.
- Do not drive when tired or fatigued and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Watch for slow moving trucks and other construction vehicles.
- Always buckle up.
- Pedestrian Safety
- Always walk on the sidewalk or designated walkway.
- Be cautious walking along driveways. Often motorists do not expect or anticipate pedestrians in these areas.
- Cross the street only at a corner or designated crosswalk.
- If there are no crosswalks, signs or signals, pedestrians should yield to all vehicles.
- Always look both ways and over your shoulder for turning cars before crossing the street.
- Always use extreme caution.
- Do not enter the roadway from between parked cars or behind shrubs or bushes.
- The traffic signal alerts you when it is safe to cross the street. At intersections with traffic lights and pedestrian signals, wait until you see the WALK signal and look both ways for traffic before crossing. Do not cross against it.
- A flashing DON'T WALK signal warns you it is no longer safe to begin crossing the street. If the DON'T WALK signal begins flashing as you are crossing the street, the timing mechanism provides you with enough time to reach the other side safely. Do not cross against it.
- Do not cross the street on a steady DON'T WALK signal.
- Child Safety
- Remind your children to stop, look and listen - especially around light rail construction zones.
- Teach children to cross intersections only in a crosswalk and to obey the crosswalk signs.
- Do not allow children to play near light rail construction zones, tracks or bridges.
- When walking with children, keep them together and away from construction zones, vehicles and equipment.
- Skateboarding, rollerblading, and riding bicycles in construction zones are not safe and are not permitted.
If you would like to schedule a light rail safety presentation at your school, organization or community event, contact the Public Information Office at 757-222-6000 ext. 6291.
Set an example by obeying the rules and sharing the message: "Stay Alert, Don't Get Hurt!"