Downtown Norfolk: The Next Six Months
2009 was packed full of light rail construction milestones in Downtown Norfolk. It was a year highlighted by the substantial completion of private utility relocations, demolition of the Kirn Library and former Baylor buildings. As we look forward, we see that in many ways, 2010 will be far more challenging for those who live, work, or travel downtown. Light rail street construction will cross 7 intersections before it wraps up in the summer. Sewer relocations, to support the upcoming courthouse complex, will begin in and around the City Hall/St. Paul’s intersection. Improvements will be made to some intersections along Brambleton Avene and construction will continue on private developments including Wells Fargo Center, Virginia Arts Festival Headquarters and the TCC Student Center.
While construction is indeed a sign of vibrancy, at times it can be intimidating—orange cones, detour signs, and dust from jackhammers can add up to a less than idea customer or commuting experience. To this point, contractors have worked with businesses in effort to minimize disruptions during peak business periods; however, as the work currently underway progresses at Colley Avenue, Boush Street and Charlotte Street, the construction schedule will become less flexible. For the remainder of light rail construction, schedules will be driven by completion of work and not the calendar. Efforts will continue to help mitigate the affects of construction on businesses but these efforts will be independent of construction schedules.
We all know the details of construction and how to live with the affects are often difficult to communicate and to understand. The good news? There is available to you a tool box full of construction survival tools:
