Norfolk downtown light rail work to intensify

NORFOLK

With light-rail construction about to intensify, officials are working to make it less of a hassle - and more enjoyable - to come downtown.

The city recently erected signs to direct motorists around construction zones to popular attractions, and the Downtown Norfolk Council is surprising passers-by with random acts of kindness, such as handing out daffodils on the first day of spring.

"If you make it downtown, we will make it worth the effort, giving you great experiences and great service," said the council's president, Cathy Coleman. "We as downtowners really appreciate our customers, especially now."

While light-rail construction has blocked roads for more than a year, the pace of the work is about to pick up as crews face a July deadline to finish installing the tracks. Throw in some city sewer upgrades, and several key intersections will either be restricted or impassable during the next few months.

The intersections of Granby and Charlotte streets and Bank and Plume streets are scheduled to close in early April, although Granby won't be blocked until work on Monticello Avenue is finished and that parallel route is reopened.

Traffic will be restricted to single lanes starting May 1 at the intersection of St. Paul's Boulevard and City Hall Avenue because of sewer work for the city's planned courthouse.

Meanwhile, the intersection of Duke and Bute streets will remain closed until May 1, and lane restrictions will continue on Plume Street and its intersection with St. Paul's.

Pedestrian access will be maintained in all areas.

A number of events that draw crowds will be held during these road closures - the Virginia Arts Festival, Norfolk NATO Festival (formerly Azalea Festival) and Tides baseball games.

Motorists can avoid construction delays if they stick to perimeter roads such as Brambleton Avenue and Waterside Drive, especially when approaching from Interstate 264.

About 30 new blue-and-white signs were installed by the city directing visitors away from construction. The signs note five activity centers - Nauticus and Town Point Park; Scope and Chrysler Hall; MacArthur Center; the Granby district; and the West Freemason historic district - and direct motorists to city parking garages that serve each of those areas.

Maps detailing the routes are on the city Web site and are being e-mailed to people who buy event tickets online.

"We'll get you where you need to go downtown without getting stuck," city spokesman Bob Batcher said.

The Downtown Norfolk Council's Web site features "Snap Map," which pinpoints construction, popular destinations and parking options. The council also has an advertising campaign encouraging people to come downtown and is offering surprises to visitors - although it won't say what's in store.

"They wouldn't be surprises then," Coleman said.

Business owners downtown said the efforts should help. Still, many merchants are hurting, particularly in the Freemason area, which has been torn up not only for light rail, but for utility work and the construction of apartments and a hotel.

"The fact of the matter is, we don't know how we're surviving," said David Klemt Sr. of Serendip furnishings and gift shop at the corner of Duke and Bute streets.

"The economy has affected us at the same time as the construction," he said. "We try diligently to create events to cause people to come visit us."

Klemt said he's looking forward to construction ending.

"This area will come back to life, but they sure make it hard on you in the meantime," he said.

Jim Close of Monticello Antique Shop on York Street said it's been so challenging to reach his shop that he's met customers in parking lots just outside of downtown to give estimates on refinishing and to deliver and pick up furniture.

Despite construction, most downtown business remains fairly healthy. January's restaurant week was the most popular yet, and the disruptions have led only a couple of merchants to relocate, Coleman said.

"It's rewarding to see how resilient people are, both our business community and the people who patronize them," she said.

Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com