Wards Corner Civic League

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Update from city’s project manager:

• Work on Little Creek is scheduled to start early April 2024.
• Current traffic control to remain in place to avoid the city sewer bypass line.
• Traffic control will be modified when construction starts, due to obstacles that include existing power lines and depth of the sewer.
• One lane east and one lane west shall remain open during construction. 
• Estimated completion ins August 2024 (due to the large roadway restoration in Little Creek Rd involving concrete replacement).
• A project bulletin will be sent out shortly with corresponding city contact information, schedule, and details as similarly stated above.

Also, an update for Wards Corner PS 150 Phase 7:

• Work progressing east along Warren Street towards Granby Street.
• Newport Avenue traffic is open fully, water and sewer complete. Small concrete/pavement restoration will occur for a few days in the near future at intersection of Newport & Warren at a later time/date.     
• Work remains ahead of schedule and is anticipated to be complete by the end of the year 2024.

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As of Sunday, March 17, the existing I-64 Norfolk Reversible Express Lanes transition to continuous high-occupancy tolling full-time, extending the benefits of improved travel-time reliability and additional congestion management through 21 miles of I-64, with the opening of the adjacent 24-hour Chesapeake Express Lanes Segment, from the I-664/I-264 Bowers Hill interchange to the I-264 interchange and Reversible Express Lanes in Norfolk.

While the new full-time high-occupancy tolling operations in the Norfolk Reversible Express Lanes differ from the previous operations during weekday peak-travel periods, the option for all drivers to continue using the free general-purpose lanes remain the same.

See this flyer announcing the new hours, how to get an E-ZPass, and how toll prices are determined. In addition, there is also information on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes Norfolk Segments that are under construction and in-design.

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The City of Norfolk invites you to learn about the City’s strategy to address flooding. Norfolk is leading the charge as a resilient city of the future with comprehensive plans to reduce the risks from all types of flooding.

At the open houses, you’ll be able to see informative displays, talk with City representatives about how flooding affects you, get specific information related to your neighborhood and learn what you can do to reduce the impacts of flooding.

The Open Houses will provide information on:

• Understanding flood risk
• Nature-based solutions
• Coastal Storm Risk Management project
• Stormwater improvements
• Emergency preparedness
• Tips to protect your property

The open houses will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at each location.

• Thursday, March 14: STEM Academy at Campostella, 1106 Campostella Rd, Norfolk, VA 23523
• Tuesday, March 19: East Ocean View Senior Center, 9520 20th Bay St, Norfolk, VA 23518
• Thursday, March 21: Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library, 1425 Norchester Ave, Norfolk, VA 23504
• Monday, March 25: Lambert’s Point Community Center, 1251 W 42nd St, Norfolk, VA 23508

All open houses will contain the same information. There will be no formal presentation during the open houses. Please join at a date, time, and location that works best for you.

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Left-turns restricted to I-64 east and from I-564 east at Little Creek Road through early April

Starting as early as Sunday, March 3 at 8 p.m., contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are scheduled to implement closures limiting interstate access at Little Creek Road to I-64 and from I-564 to facilitate essential waterline work and bridge widening as part of construction for the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Norfolk Segment. 

Starting as early as March 3 through early April, left turns will be prohibited from: 

• Northbound Route 165/Little Creek Road to I-64 east
• the I-564 east off-ramp to southbound Route 165/Little Creek Road

Signed detour routes will be in place to direct motorists. This construction work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change. 

Additional traffic impacts previously implemented for this project remain in place, including:  

• Traffic shifted toward the inside median on I-64 east and west between Tidewater Drive and Little Creek Road (exit 276), estimated to be in place until approximately mid-2025 
• A continuous, single-lane closure on the I-64 west on-ramp to I-564 west, estimated to be in place through early 2025 
• A shortened merge area at the northbound Tidewater Drive on-ramp to I-64 west, estimated to be in place through mid-2025 

Northbound traffic on Tidewater Drive not intending to use I-564 may continue northbound and use the left-turn lane to take the on-ramp to I-64 west. 

Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs and drive distraction-free. 

Before hitting the road, consider using VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools, or the free 511-integrated Waze GPS app, to check for the most up-to-date road and travel conditions. VDOT’s 511Virginia.org website and mobile app offer information about construction, traffic, incidents, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather-related impacts and more. 

For more information on the Norfolk Express Lanes projects and to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts and to sign-up to receive project updates, visit: https://www.64expresslanes.org/under_construction/norfolk.asp. 

This work is part of the first phase of HREL Norfolk Segment construction projects, that includes the widening and rehabilitation of eight existing bridges on I-64 and the conversion of the existing inside shoulder along I-64 into a high-occupancy tolled part-time shoulder Express Lane running alongside the three existing general purpose lanes between Patrol Road and Tidewater Drive for a total of 2 miles. 

The HREL Norfolk Segment will ultimately become a part of the overall HREL network, a continuous, 45-mile network of Express Lanes in each traffic direction on I-64, from east of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill Interchange in Chesapeake. The HREL network is designed to transport more motorists through the region while helping to alleviate congestion and providing motorists more travel options. 

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Spring is right around the corner! Are you doing some serious spring cleaning or clearing some clutter around the house?  

Some items can’t be tossed in the garbage but you can dispose of it the right way at Keep Norfolk Beautiful’s Special Waste Collection Event on Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Azalea Baptist Church (3314 E. Little Creek Road). 

Accepted items include:

• Household Hazardous Waste
• Electronics
• Grocery Bags & Clear Film
• and much more!

This Special Waste Collection event also includes on-site, secure document shredding and a tree giveaway (while supplies last).

Please share with your neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Norfolk residents only and proof of residency is required.

For more information on acceptable items, visit www.norfolk.gov/knb.

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We understand the inconvenience caused by blocked railroad crossings can be frustrating. In recent years, changes in rail operations and public perception have made this a nationwide issue. Transportation agencies from other states have raised these concerns with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

To understand the magnitude of the situation, the FRA has an online system that allows the public and law enforcement to report blocked crossings. This will also allow the federal government and states to determine the extent of the problem.

FRA Press Release on Blocked Crossing Website

If you encounter an issue related to a halted train obstructing roadways, please refer to the Federal Railroad Administration. 

Steps to Report a Blocked Crossing

This is easily and conveniently done using your smartphone while at the blocked crossing or at a later time using your smart device or computer. Be advised that the FRA system will NOT accept reports which are seven (7) days or older.

1. Report the Blocked Crossing to the Railroad: Contact the railroad using the toll-free number listed on the blue sign that is posted at the crossing. It will look like the one below.
   

2. Record Information: The City of Norfolk highly encourages you to file your blocked crossing complaint with the FRA immediately. Please record the following information for your complaint:
   • Train blocking crossing – or – Crossing lights/gates activated, but no train.
   • Date and time of blockage Duration of blockage
   • Any immediate impacts observed (i.e. first responders unable to cross tracks; pedestrians observed climbing over/under/through cars, etc.)
   • Any additional comments (i.e. school arrival/dismissal disrupted; postal or other deliveries delayed; fewer customers visiting business; traffic congestion/gridlock; etc.)

3.    File blocked crossing report with the FRA. 

Virginia Code

Blocked crossing complaints have increased in recent years as railroads are striving to reduce operating costs by increasing train lengths causing crossings to be blocked for a longer period of time. In some cases, trains need to stop due to disabled equipment, switching operations, safety protocols, etc.

Virginia Code prohibits a railroad from blocking a crossing for longer than five consecutive minutes. 

Unfortunately, within the last few years many federal courts have ruled that the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 granted exclusive jurisdiction over the speed and movement of trains to the federal government. This federal preemption essentially makes the Virginia statute on this issue unenforceable. Keep in mind that Virginia is not the only state dealing with blocked crossings. This is a national problem and states are strongly requesting that the FRA develop regulations to address the issue. The FRA is the only government agency that could consider creating rules to address blocked crossings. Until federal rules are developed, Commission staff will forward blocked crossing complaints to the FRA for all public crossings in Norfolk and will work with railroads when there is an imminent safety hazard resulting from a blocked crossing. You may also report a blocked crossing utilizing the link above.

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The Slover Library Foundation is hosting a community coffee hour with Norfolk’s Chief of Police Mark Talbott. Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear from Chief Talbott, the leader of Norfolk’s dedicated police force! This event is designed to strengthen community ties, promote open dialogue, and enhance collaboration between the downtown community and law enforcement.

Wednesday, Feb. 21
Doors Open at 7:45 AM – Program Begins at 8:15 AM
Slover Library, Room 650

What to Expect:

• Get to know Chief Talbot
• Learn about the latest initiatives and community-focused programs.
• Ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations.
• Connect with fellow community members.
• This event is catered with breakfast items and beverages.

Community coffee with Chief Mark Talbot is free and open to all community members. Your presence and participation are highly valued as we work together to build a safer and stronger Downtown Norfolk. For more information, contact Adale Martin at adale.martin@sloverlibrary.com.

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Motorists can expect multiple overnight ramp closures and new traffic patterns on I-64 east and west between Patrol Road and Tidewater Drive starting this week

NORFOLK – Starting this week, motorists traveling along I-64 east in Norfolk will encounter new traffic patterns between Patrol Road and Tidewater Drive (exit 277) as contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) perform striping, barrier installation and additional construction activities for the Hampton Road Express Lanes (HREL) Norfolk Segment.

• Starting as early as Jan. 29, I-64 east traffic in this corridor will shift to the left toward the inside median.
• Starting as early as Tuesday, Feb. 6, I-64 west traffic between Tidewater Drive and Little Creek Road (exit 276) will shift to the left toward the inside median.

In preparation for this new traffic pattern, estimated to be in place until as early as early 2025, a series of temporary, overnight ramp closures are scheduled to occur along I-64 in this corridor.

The estimated schedule below includes various, temporary closures through Feb. 2:

• I-64 east on-ramp from Granby Street Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• I-64 east off-ramp to I-564 west/Granby Street (exit 276A) Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from as early as 7 p.m. to as late as 8 a.m.
• I-64 east on-ramp from Tidewater Drive south Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• I-64 east off-ramp to Tidewater Drive north (exit 277B) Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from as early as 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• I-64 east on-ramp from Tidewater Drive north Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• I-64 east on-ramp from Little Creek Road (brief, intermittent stoppages) Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, from 11:59 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• I-564 east ramp to I-64 east Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. 

Signed detour routes will be in place to direct motorists and additional ramp closures will be announced as scheduled. This construction work is weather-and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change.

Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs and drive distraction-free.

Visit the project site to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts and to sign-up to receive project updates:  https://64expresslanes.org/under_construction/norfolk.asp  

The HREL Norfolk Segment will ultimately become a part of the overall HREL network, a continuous, 45-mile network of Express Lanes in each traffic direction on I-64, from east of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-64/I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill Interchange in Chesapeake. The HREL network is designed to transport more motorists through the region while helping to alleviate congestion and providing motorists more travel options. 

Before traveling, check the latest traffic conditions by using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which offers information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

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Recover Fund is proud to announce the launch of the Norfolk Wealth Project, in collaboration with Cities for Financial Empowerment and supported by the City of Norfolk. This crucial initiative aims to address and reduce the racial wealth gap in our community. The project’s mission is to harness the collective wisdom and experience of Norfolk’s residents, community leaders, and experts to formulate effective strategies and solutions. The Norfolk Wealth Project is a transformative initiative dedicated to bridging the racial wealth gaps within the City of Norfolk, Virginia. Its mission is not just to identify the disparities but to actively forge pathways that facilitate intergenerational wealth and foster individual, family, and community financial stability.

• Recover Fund Leaders: Dr. Tim Goler & Dr. Ahmed Whitt
• For additional information, visit: https://norfolkwealthproject.org/
• Link to Norfolk Wealth Project survey: Norfolk Wealth Project Survey (typeform.com)

Deadline to complete the survey is February 29, 2024.

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