LRT Construction Update

HRT, in partnership with the City of Norfolk, began early construction activities of The Tide light rail system in December 2007. Early construction activities are geared toward the creation of replacement wetlands and the relocation of public utilities, which may temporarily result in limited sidewalk and business access, traffic lane closures, and parking changes along the light rail route.

Over the last several weeks, HRT and City staff conducted some briefings describing the environmental and utility work, parking and post-construction activities with downtown businesses that are directly impacted by the early construction efforts.

In addition, HRT has developed an extensive plan for construction management and public outreach to reduce the inconveniences associated with the unavoidable, short term disruptions caused by construction. If you are a resident, business or property owner near The Tide light rail route, your first point of contact is the HRT Public Outreach Coordinator. Public Outreach Coordinators serve as general public advocates and are responsible for communicating in a number of ways:

    * Host regular meetings with residents and businesses
      along the light rail route

    * Arrange periodic city-wide meetings with contractors,
      HRT staff, and the general public to give information,
      answer questions, and gather feedback

    * Post construction updates and traffic alerts to
      The Tide’s web site, ridethetide.com

    * Distribute frequent information via e-mail, direct mailings,       newspapers, and other outlets about street closures
      and traffic pattern changes

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