Yes, we’ve been spoiled for two weeks.  Road work has been put on hold for the holidays.  But, the Winter Break is just about over, and we’re getting notices of some delays you may encounter on your morning and evening commutes, starting next week.

Work on the light rail project in downtown Norfolk is continuing with a vengeance!  Look for lane closures at and near the intersection of City Hall Avenue and Monticello Avenue after evening rush hour starting on Monday, January 5.

Two inside westbound lanes will be closed on City Hall Avenue at the intersection of Monticello Avenue.  The lane closures are needed so Dominion Virginia Power can relocate utilities to prepare for light rail construction.  Crews will work 12 hours a day to complete the project as quickly as possible.  It is estimated the project will take about two months to complete, weather permitting.

Traffic will be impacted as follows:

· All westbound traffic will be required to turn right onto Monticello Avenue.  Vehicles will be unable to proceed through the intersection.

· The left turn lane onto Monticello Avenue will be closed to eastbound traffic.

· Between City Hall Avenue and just north of Tazewell Street, Monticello Avenue will become two-way, with one northbound lane and one southbound lane.

· Parking will be prohibited along Monticello Avenue between City Hall Avenue and Market Street to accommodate the lane shifts.

A detailed map of detours and alternate routes is available at: http://www.norfolk.gov/PublicWorks/pdf/tp-cityhallatmonticello.pdf

Pedestrians crossing at the City Hall/Monticello intersection should be alert to pedestrian directional signage.  Police will be directing both vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the intersection.

Motorists who typically access the Boush Street garage on City Hall Avenue from Saint Pauls Boulevard will need to take an alternate route to access the garage from one of the following:

Waterside Drive to Boush Street

Plume Street to Boush Street

or from the intersection of Granby Street and City Hall Avenue.

When exiting the Boush Street garage, motorists are advised to turn right and follow Boush Street to travel north or follow Waterside Drive to the I-64/I-264 interchange.

It is important to note that power will not be cut off to businesses or residents during this time.

The City of Norfolk reminds motorists that the downtown area is open for business throughout all construction projects.  There are over 9,000 parking spaces in downtown parking facilities available after 6 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends.  These facilities are easily accessible via primary streets that are outside the construction zones.

For more information and a detailed listing of lane and street closures in Norfolk, please visit:   www.norfolk.gov/publicworks/tipreport.asp