Greg Underwood, HRT light rail info, a chuckle

A Merry March To All!,

First, congratulations to fellow resident Greg Underwood on his
election to the office of Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney.
Let's all wish him a successful term in office, and another win
in November when he runs for that office again.

HRT's Light rail construction will greatly impact our community in
the coming weeks. Be prepared to make alternate plans for local travel.




Effective: March 6, 2009

Construction work at the railroad crossing at Ballentine has begun and will continue through April 2009. Construction will occur in two phases:

Phase I: Outside lanes in each direction on Ballentine Blvd. at railroad crossing will be closed beginning February 23, 2009. Light Rail construction will involve the removal of old railroad ties, tracks, and demolition of curbing and concrete along this area.

Phase II: From March 17 through March 27, a full closure of this section of Ballentine Blvd. will allow the contractor to continue with complete removal of tracks, demo of concrete structures, electrical work, grading and the placement of new sub ballast for laying of new track.

A Maintenance of Traffic plan has been approved by City of Norfolk and VDOT for detour of traffic.

Traffic Pattern Changes: Light rail construction will mandate changes to the traffic pattern on Ballentine Blvd.

Interstate 264 on-ramps and off-ramps will remain open to traffic. Traffic will only be allowed to head southbound on Ballentine Blvd.

All northbound traffic will be directed to exit I-264 at Brambleton Avenue.

Any traffic from Va. Beach Blvd. and on the north side of Ballentine will be directed to access I-264 from Brambleton Ave.

Local traffic may also utilize Kimball Terrace to access Brambleton Avenue
to head into Downtown Norfolk area.

Phase III: From March 25 to mid April, the two inside lanes in both directions
on Ballentine Blvd. will be closed to complete work for rail crossing improvements at Ballentine Blvd.

Requests to modify traffic patterns are carefully reviewed so that, to the extent possible, considerations are made to accommodate business needs.

Businesses will be notified of traffic pattern changes with as much notice as possible to ensure notification to employees and customers.

NOTE: SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Communications: The following links provide more construction
information about The Tide.

New Tracks on the Way at Ballentine Blvd.

Detours/Route Directions

Ride The Tide.com

.pdf Detour Map

Click here to sign up for The Tide email construction alerts.

HRT Light Rail Route Video Simulation

Here's a conversation between God and man you might enjoy.
I thought this was funny.

Man: What is a million years like to you?
God: Like one second.
Man: What is a million dollars like to you?
God: Like one penny.
Man: Can I have a penny?
God: Sure, Just a second.

Take Care,

Edward L. West Sr.