Light Rail Construction

Construction for The Tide is underway in the area just beyond Harbor Park. This first phase of construction will include the building of the bridge structure that will cross over an active rail line and remain elevated until it reaches Norfolk State University. Pile drive testing was conducted in the area near the westbound side of I-264 as the contractor begins staging for this first phase of the bridge process.

Machinery and equipment are now in place and Holt Street is closed to through traffic until March 31, 2008. During the road closure, a temporary sidewalk has been installed to ensure safe pedestrian access to Ruffner Academy.

Sign up for Light Rail Construction e-mail updates.

Click image for construction schedule.

Construction Alerts

Construction Alerts will be published when a disruption occurs that would affect regular traffic flow and transit services. As HRT customers, you can receive these alerts directly to your personal or business email accounts. Click here to sign up for The Tide e-mail alerts.

Construction Photos

Construction Mitigation Program

HRT is committed to minimizing construction impacts to businesses through a variety of signage, marketing, outreach and assistance programs. During The Tide construction, HRT asks that you take the time and effort to visit businesses along the alignment. Downtown and neighborhood businesses need and appreciate your patronage to remain healthy and viable during the construction phase.

Through its public information campaign, HRT will provide regular updates about traffic detours and other changes that may affect residents and commuters.

If you are a resident, business or property owner near The Tide light rail alignment, your first point of contact is the Outreach Coordinator. Outreach Coordinators are located at the Public Information Office and are available to answer questions, to provide construction updates, and to distribute project information.

You can find out more about the Public Information Office and Outreach Coordinators by visiting: Staying Informed.

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!"