It is going to be a beautiful weekend to enjoy all your outdoor plans. And there are likely many things on the list–Mother’s Day brunch, graduations, festivals. Jeremy says to expect great weather conditions. You can check out his forecast here.

But be aware, another road work project may get in your way. Gilmerton Bridge along Military Highway in Chesapeake closes at 8 o’clock tonight and will reopen by 5 o’clock Monday. The closure is part of the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project, which is expected to wrap up in late 2013.

You can use the I-64 High Rise Bridge or the Downtown Tunnel as alternates. Maritime traffic should not be affected.

Good morning!

The weekend is almost here and VDOT crews are getting ready to get to work.

The High Rise Bridge along I-64 in Chesapeake will be closed in both directions Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Crews will be performing rigging operations on the bridge’s lift span.

Here’s an alternate from VDOT:

You can take I-264 Downtown Tunnel as an alternate route. Look for signs that point the way From I-64 west, drivers should take the Route 17 George Washington Highway exit. Next make a left on George Washington Highway and proceed to Frederick Boulevard. Make a left onto Frederick Boulevard, then take the I-264 east ramp on the right. Proceed on I-264 east, through the Downtown Tunnel. Stay in the right lane and after exiting the tunnel take the I-464 south exit. Follow I-464 south until you reach the I-64 west exit.

From I-64 east take the I- 464 north exit. Follow I-464 north to the I-264 west (Downtown Tunnel) exit. Proceed on I-264 west to the Frederick Boulevard exit. Exit at the bottom of the ramp and stay to the left. Make a left on Route 17 south. Follow Route 17 south to George Washington Highway and make a right. Proceed on George Washington Highway to the I-64 east ramp.

Here’s a cancellation from VDOT:
Previously scheduled work at the I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel for the weekends of Friday, May 4, 2012 and Friday, May 11, 2012 has been CANCELLED. Look for the closures at the H.R.B.T. after the Labor Day holiday, Sept. 2, 2012.

Heads up, weekend travelers!

VDOT has a lot of work to do and closures will take place at two major crossings.
I-664 SB lanes toward Suffolk at the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel will shut down at 8:00 tonight (4/27/12) and will stay closed for re-paving work until 6 a.m. Monday (4/30/12).

The Gilmerton Bridge (along Military Highway in Chesapeake) will close in both directions, also starting at 8:00 tonight and reopening by 5 a.m. Monday.

For your future planning, the HRBT will be closed I-64 EB NEXT weekend, starting at 8 Friday night (5/4/12) and reopening by 5 a.m. Monday (5/7/12).

Here’s a look at your alternates for this weekend’s closures:

MMMBT Weekend of Friday, April 27, until Monday, April 30, 2012

The signed detours for I-664 MMMBT south will be as follows:

· From I-64 east approaching I-664 south (Hampton Coliseum), motorists must stay on I-64 east through the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). Follow I-64 east to I-264 west towards the Downtown Tunnel. Follow I-264 west through the tunnel to the end of the detour at I-664 north/Route 58 west (Bower’s Hill).

· From I-664 south approaching MMMBT (27th street), crews will have a multi-lane closure in place to reroute traffic to I-664 north towards I-64 east (Hampton Coliseum) and the HRBT. From the I-664 south closure motorists will take I-664 east to I-264 west towards the Downtown Tunnel. Follow I-264 west through the tunnel to the end of the detour at I-664 north/Route 58 west (Bower’s Hill).

Please note: The Route 17 James River Bridge is also a suggested alternate route. However, Route 17 traffic is expected to be much higher in volume than normal. Traffic signal timings have been adjusted to compensate for the additional traffic. Motorists using local streets may experience a longer than usual delay due to the expected higher traffic volumes and increased timing.

Gilmerton Bridge Closure:

· Motorists are encouraged to use the I-64 High Rise Bridge as an alternate route during this weekend bridge closure. The Downtown Tunnel and the I-264 Berkley Bridge are also alternate routes. Maritime traffic should not be impacted.

HRBT Weekend of Friday, May 4, until Monday, May 7, 2012

The signed detours for I-64 HRBT east will be as follows:

· From I-64 east approaching I-664 south (Hampton Coliseum), motorists must stay on I-664 south through the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT). Follow I-664 south to I-264 east towards the Downtown Tunnel. Follow I-264 east through the tunnel to the end of the detour at I-64 east and I-264 east (Barry Robinson Interchange).

· For motorist staying on I-64 east towards the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, they must exit at Mallory Street then head west on I-64 towards Williamsburg. Follow I-664 south towards the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT) to I-264 east towards the Downtown Tunnel. Follow I-264 east through the tunnel to the end of the detour at I-64 east and I-264 east (Barry Robinson Interchange).

A couple of road work projects planned for this weekend could leave you scrambling for alternates while you’re behind the wheel. Here’s a guide to help you out before you leave the house. And a heads up–over the next few weekends, be prepared for more closures as VDOT crews ready the highways for a busy summer travel season.

The Monitor Merrimac I-664 NB and the High Rise Bridge I-64 EB will close this weekend for paving operations. Also to be closed, the Centerville Turnpike Bridge in Chesapeake.

That means I-664 NB lanes at the Monitor Merrimac will shut down at 8 p.m. Friday, March 30th and reopen by 6 a.m. Monday, April 2.

Both lanes of I-64 EB at the High Rise Bridge (heading toward Suffolk) and one WB lane (heading toward Chesapeake) will close at 7 p.m. Friday, March 30th and reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, April 2.

Lanes will be closed at the Centerville Turnpike Bridge from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Here’s a look at your alternates, which will be marked on highways:

The detour for the I-64 east High Rise Bridge to Hampton/Newport News is as follows:

· Take I-64 west towards the HRBT

The detours for the I-64 east High Rise Bridge to Suffolk and Great Bridge section of Chesapeake are as follows:

· Overheight and heavy load vehicles are recommended to take 17 South to NC 158 West, NC 158 West to NC 32 North, NC 32 North to Suffolk Route 13/58 Bypass, Route 13/58 Bypass to I-64

· From the I-64/264 Interchange at Exit 284, take Exit 284A to I-264 west. Follow I-264 west through the Downtown Tunnel to Bower’s Hill.

· If entering the interstate past the I-64/264 Interchange at Exit 284, take Exit 291A and follow I-464 north to Exit 6A. Follow I-264 west through the Downtown Tunnel to Bower’s Hill.

· From Route 168 continue on I-464 north to Exit 6A. Follow I-264 west through the Downtown Tunnel to Bower’s Hill.

*If you use the Gilmerton Bridge (Military Highway) as an alternate for the High Rise Bridge, the overnight closure that typically begins Sunday evening will push to Monday night so drivers will be able to use it. That means this coming week, the Gilmerton Bridge will close Monday through Thursday 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The detours for I-664 MMMBT north will be as follows:

• From Route 58 east approaching I-664 north (Bowers Hill), motorists must exit onto I-264 east, towards the Downtown Tunnel. Motorists will follow I-264 east to I-64 west, towards the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. The detour will end at I-664, Hampton Coliseum.
• From I-664 North approaching College Drive, crews will place an inside lane closure and reroute traffic back on to I-664 south, towards Bowers Hill. From I-664 south motorists will take I-264 East (towards the Downtown Tunnel); to I-64 West (towards the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel); end of detour at I-664 (Hampton Coliseum)

Here’s another upcoming closure you may need to plan for:

**The Gilmerton Bridge closes normally overnight, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays.

Over the next two months, prepare for the bridge to be closed for the entire weekend.

The Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project Weekend Closure Plan:

April 13, from 8 p.m. through April 16, at 5 a.m.

April 27, from 8 p.m. through April 30, at 5 a.m.

May 11, from 8 p.m. through May 14, at 5 a.m.

Alternates during the closures of the Gilmerton would be the I-64 High Rise Bridge, the Downtown Tunnel and the I-264 Berkley Bridge are also alternate routes. Maritime traffic should not be impacted.

The Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project will provide a new lift span bridge over the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and replace the existing double-leaf bascule bridge that was constructed in 1938.

For most of us reading a news article with the headline: “Rising gas prices aren’t as bad as you think”, does little to comfort the pain of having to pay more and more when filling up our car. In fact, as I found out posting this on Facebook, it makes some outright furious: not only with the actual prices of gas, but also with the assumption that we somehow aren’t affected as badly as we’d like to think.

Courtesy: TheCarConnection.com

About an hour after posting this article, more than a hundred of you commented. The vast majority of you posted under the sentiment: “Yes… we ARE feeling it!”. I read through the dozens upon dozens of posts. Some of you have made some serious changes to your routine. Tina posted, “We have altered our work schedules so that we can basically share the van because it has better gas mileage. I ride my bike to the grocery store when only getting a few small things, and carpool to the sports [events] more often.”

Pamela says she’s “trying to get in a carpool at work. I just buy less food unfortunately.”

Others say they’ve traded in their gas-guzzlers for more fuel-efficient options. Sheila wrote, “I traded my large SUV in for a more affordable Honda….” And James posted that he bought a gas-saving commuter car to drive to work instead of his truck. He added, “I would have never done that if gas prices didn’t go up.”

There’s another side to this gas debate. There are those who side with the experts cited in the CNN Money article. Jennie’s comment clearly shows where she stands on this issue: “ I personally laugh at the ones complaining about increased gas, but own smart phones, ipads, etc…. [T]hey have had no problem shelling out extra money for more apps, more data, etc.”

Jason suggested, “Record how much you actually spend (on gas), and you’ll find it’s not that bad unless you need to drive a lot. It’s about the same as getting a coffee every morning.”

Michael took on a more aggressive stance, claiming we in the U.S. don’t take fuel consumption seriously enough. He posted: “Stand at an intersection in Hampton Roads. Any intersection. Watch traffic. Look at the types of vehicles moving. Big, huge, gigantic gas-guzzling vehicles with only 1 or 2 people inside. People flooring the gas pedal when the light turns green. People tailgating. And these are only a few examples of factors that contribute to poor fuel economy…. So as prices go up, and you’re scratching your head at the pump as to why prices are going up, simply look around. The reason, is US.”

Stephanie agreed with Michael. She posted, “I love how everyone is saying, ‘I go to the store less often’ and ‘we carpool more’ like these are BAD things. You should be doing that anyway, regardless of what gas prices are! If you’re not then YOU are part of the problem. Like Michael said, the problem is not the prices, it’s your consumption.”

What if we had more public transportation options? I lived in Spain for several months and was thoroughly impressed by how easy it was to live without a car. It’s a luxury those of us in some parts of Hampton Roads would really struggle without.

Talking on Europe, Schonna posted, “… NO COMPARISON! They have incredible infrastructure. Buses and metro systems give everyone an alternative. Their cars are built differently in size and fuel economy. And you have local markets for everything you need in every town. When we have all that I would be ok with $9 a gallon for gas.”

Stephanie (same as above) countered Schonna’s Europe argument writing, “Funny how you all say that Europe has better public transportation and that’s why it’s OK for their gas prices to be so high… We pay at least a dollar more than you in Chicago but we also have great public transportation. But yet when they try to build a better infrastructure for you and create public transportation (light rail) you vote against it time and time again…. You can’t have it both ways – you have to either agree to improve your public transportation or pay the higher gas prices.”

In places with more transportation options, like Washington D.C., folks are noticing more passengers riding alongside them on the trains and metro. On my WAVY Facebook page, Carleigh told me she takes the train into DC everyday, “I have noticed that the trains have been a lot more crowded lately. I also read an article on the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) yesterday that mentioned the possibility of an increase in train fares. Their reasoning… gas prices.”

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE CHEAPEST GAS PRICES IN YOUR AREA

From what I’ve cleaned from these comments is that most of you simply feel the article is out of touch. As Stephen put it, “Whoever wrote this obviously doesn’t work with me. Where we haven’t seen even a cost of living raise in 5 years. The numbers on everything except my paycheck are constantly on the rise.”

I emailed the author, Steve Hargreaves at CNN Money. I asked him where he came up with the idea, and if he’s gotten a lot of reaction. He replied within just a few minutes. Here’s his unedited response: “Oh yes, there’s been lots of reaction to it – mostly negative. The idea came from an old S&P study showing that, thanks to higher wages and better fuel economy, people have to work half the hours now to drive the same distance as they did in the early 1980s. The study was done using 2006 numbers, but the general premise still holds true: Gas prices don’t hurt as much now as they used to.”

As of 8:15 a.m. Friday morning (3/23/2012), Hargreaves’ article was just short of 2,000 comments.

For the sake of privacy I’ve omitted last names from the comments that I’ve taken from the Facebook thread. Thanks for all those who took the time to reply to the thread.

We knew the issue of tolls at the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels would be a hot topic.

Since our series of special reports on the tolls aired early this week, we’ve been inundated with email, Facebook comments and tweets on Twitter. Plenty of people are concerned, upset, and/or apprehensive about the tolls that are expected to stick around for the next five decades.

I learned the very earliest those tolls would be in place is August, although we’ve also heard it will be closer to the end of the year. Regardless, we felt it was important to start preparing drivers now for the possibility of added fees to drive through two of our area’s busy tunnels.

With an off-peak toll starting at $1.59, there’s plenty of anxiety about cost. A rush-hour ride Monday through Friday would cost you $1.84. That toll price is expected to rise over time.

What was shocking to me is how much more it will cost if you don’t have an E-Z Pass transponder. The transponder is a small box you can get online, by phone or through a retail center in Gloucester (another one will open up at some point in Portsmouth). You attach it to your windshield or to your license plate. The toll will be taken electronically from your account. No toll booths, no toll attendant, no stopping at the tunnel. The way to pay is through E-Z Pass, because without it, you will be charged a toll recovery fee, which would be two times the toll rate. So, you’d have to pay $4.77 if you didn’t have an E-Z Pass and drove through the Downtown Tunnel in an off-peak time spot. During rush hour, a ride through the tunnel without an E-Z Pass would be $5.02.

People have been emailing me, asking about relatives who come in from out of town, or those who drive through the tunnel five or six times a year. They want to know if they need to get an E-Z Pass. They don’t have to, of course. But riding through the tunnel without one means they’ll get a bill in the mail for that higher price. High speed cameras will capture your license plate and find your address from that. You’ll have thirty days to appeal the fee or pay up. Either way you will pay and you’ll pay more if you don’t have an E-Z Pass.

The transponder itself is $25, but that fee is waived if you tie your account to a bank account. You’ll have to fund the account, so you’ll pay $35 up front per transponder and your toll will be deducted from that amount. Once the balance falls below $10, another $35 will be pulled from your bank account. Is it worth it to get one if you only travel through a toll a few times a year? That’s up to you to decide. This system works in 14 other states, though, so if you travel, if may save you time and some money in other places.

There are still plenty of topics to cover related to the toll story, so we are not done yet. Let us know what other issues concern you. I can be reached at cheryl.tan@wavy.com

We have plenty of information at www.wavy.com.

Here’s a link to get more information and to sign up for an E-Z Pass Acount:

www.ezpassva.com

I was late for my job interview eight years ago at WAVY TV 10 because of a bridge lift. I called the newsroom to let them know I wouldn’t be there on time and my co-workers-to-be laughed and told me not to worry.

Of course, it is rare you see many smiles while people wait ten, sometimes twenty minutes for the road to reopen for travel after a bridge lift or opening.

I have been posting this primer on the bridges for the last few years. I add to it and share it. Please let me know if I missed anything.

We post bridge lift information at wavy.com. You can also access the daily bridge information on WAVY’s mobile app.

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168 Bypass–also known as the Chesapeake Expressway, connects Chesapeake with Currituck County, North Carolina.

*Berkley Bridge–the bridge leading up to the Downtown Tunnel in Norfolk.

Broad Creek Bridge–on I-264 between the I-64/I-264 interchange and Downtown Norfolk.

Campostella Bridge–Bridge over Campostella Road, just east of Downtown Norfolk.

*Centerville Turnpike Bridge is in Southern Chesapeake on Centerville Turnpike.

*Coleman Bridge–Route 17, separates Yorktown from Gloucester.

*Gilmerton Bridge–Military Highway, Route 13, Chesapeake.

Godwin Bridge in Suffolk–Near Bennetts Creek.

Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel–I-64, connects Hampton with Norfolk.

Hampton Creek Bridge–on the Peninsula, the bridge on I-64 leading up to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel on the Hampton side.

*High Rise Bridge–I-64 between Chesapeake and Suffolk.

*James River Bridge–Route 17, connects Isle of Wight County with Newport News.

Jordan Bridge–used to connect Portsmouth and Chesapeake, but it is now closed.

Lesner Bridge–Shore Drive in Virginia Beach.

Mason Creek Bridge–on the Norfolk side, leading toward the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel–I-664–connects Suffolk with Newport News.

*Steel Bridge–Route 17, also known as Dominion Boulevard, Chesapeake.

Twin Bridges–I-64 a bit south of 64/264 interchange.

West Norfolk Bridge–164, leads to the Midtown Tunnel on the Portsmouth side.

Willoughby Bridge–the bridge, west of the Mason Creek Bridge on the Norfolk side of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

If you see a *, these bridges have lifts or openings.

Any questions, comments, or additions? Let me know and have a great day!

If you’re looking for a race to take part in this weekend, here’s one that benefits a good cause and it is taking place in a beautiful location.

The inaugural Monitor Lodge Child ID 5k is the first-ever race on the now-former Fort Monroe. It is also the first race in conjunction with the annual Phoebus Days celebration since 2001. This is truly a memorable occasion, one whose event proceeds will help Monitor Lodge No. 197 purchase a Child ID computer and host more FREE Child ID events. Join us as we celebrate Fort Monroe, Phoebus Days, and our communities while supporting a worthwhile charity.

Be aware there will be race-day street closures Oct 8; on Fort Monroe, traffic at certain locations will be blocked, but the roads won’t be completely closed. This will cause a delay for drivers from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., maybe 11:00 a.m., depending on when the last runner finishes and the police have left the area. The intersection of Willard Ave and E. Mellon Street, Hampton, 23663 will be closed, however, during this time, and after, due to Phoebus Days activities.

Here’s where you go:
Monitor Lodge No.197
212 E. Mellen Street Hampton, VA
Race day registration: $25, 6:30am to 7:30am Saturday, Oct. 8

This race supports the Virginia Freemason’s Child Identification Program (VACHIP). This unique program helps parents protect their families by better ensuring the safe recovery of a missing child. The VACHIP helps bolster the Amber Alert system through the digitization of a child’s DNA, voice, mannerisms, and photographs onto a CD for parents to keep and provide authorities should the need arise.

I hope your day started off smoothly. And I hope your kids made it safely, with no tears, to their respective classrooms. Summer vacation is officially over!

The morning commute, I know, was pretty hairy for a lot of people. How many days left until the next break? Just remember, this afternoon those buses will be out there once again to take the kids home.

Here’s what the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles had to say about the buses on the roadways:

Remember, when you see the flashing red lights and the stop bar, you must stop and allow children to get on or off the bus. Here are some other tips to remember:

* School buses are one of the safest vehicles on the road.
* Most school bus incidents happen off the bus, not on the bus.
* If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
* When the bus approaches, stand at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
* School buses don’t have seat belts in them because they have a built-in occupant protection system known as “compartmentalization,” which is a system of seat height, seat length and padding, among other requirements. Compartmentalization is like an egg carton protecting a child.

We all need a refresher course on bus stop and bus safety. It has been a rather busy summer. Enjoy the start of the school year and have a safe one!

If you are thinking about leaving Hampton Roads, today is the day to do it. The earlier in the day, the better, too. Most people automatically think to take I-64 WB to Richmond, but there are half a dozen other ways you can take to make it out of the area. Take the roadway closest to where you are.

That means:

*If you live in Virginia Beach, consider Routes 460 or 58. Route 460 will take you toward Suffolk, where it turns into Pruden Blvd. That will take you to Petersburg. You will see the first sign posted for Route 58 on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. That will take you toward Raleigh.
*Route 10 West is a good one for some folks in Portsmouth. It will take you out past Smithfield toward Surry.
*If you live in Poquoson, or the Churchland area of Portsmouth, 17 North, toward Fredericksburg, is your best bet.
*If you’re in Hampton, take Route 60, which is Warwick Blvd., to Richmond.
*If you live on the Eastern Shore, take Route 13 North toward Salisbury, MD.
*If you’re in Norfolk, take I-64 WB to Richmond.

In the case of a mandatory evacuation, the Governor, and only the Governor, can order a lane reversal on I-64. That means all traffic from Norfolk to Richmond will travel west. That will start on the Norfolk side of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel at Exit 273, which is 4th View Street. During a lane reversal, the Northbound lanes of the Monitor Merrimac will close at Exit 8. That’s College Drive.

Today, we have also heard the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry will be shutting down operations and moving boats to Richmond ahead of Irene. Service will be suspended at 10 a.m.

And, keep in mind as you make travel plans, we are saying leaving earlier is better because the winds will affect the tunnels and how long they will be allowed to stay open. VDOT will close bridges and tunnels when they’re unsafe due to debris or wind. Generally speaking, the Midtown Tunnel will close when winds reach 39 miles an hour sustained. The Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, James River Bridge, Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Coleman Bridge close when winds reach 45 miles an hour sustained.

There are plenty of places at wavy.com where you can get information to plan your trip. Right there on the homepage, you can find all of our extensive Hurricane Irene coverage. Be safe!!

Cheryl Tan