Viaduct $13.6 million Viaduct construction between Harbor Park and Norfolk State University. Includes a 3,400-foot elevated structure and relocation of Holt Street. Status: 96.7 percent complete East end track $40.9 million Norfolk Southern right of way between Norfolk State and Newtown Road. Bridges over Broad Creek and Norfolk Southern tracks. Status: 70.5 percent complete

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Photos by Hyunsoo Leo Kim

NORFOLK
They're modern, sleek, and unlike any transit vehicle the area has seen.

NORFOLK Construction of Norfolk’s light rail line is halfway complete, and to mark the occasion the public is invited to “Walk the Tide” through downtown Wednesday afternoon.

Norfolk’s starter line is being built from Eastern Virginia Medical Center through downtown to Virginia Beach at Newtown Road. Its estimated cost is $288 million. It’s to open by fall 2010. Here is a monthly update on light-rail progress.

Viaduct $13.6 million

VIRGINIA BEACH It was no town-hall meeting on health care - that's for sure.

NORFOLK The look of Norfolk's light-rail starter line - scheduled to open in about a year - is starting to take shape. Stations have been designed. Electrical poles and wires are going up. The pavement around embedded rail has been dyed red.

VIRGINIA BEACH The city's development authority unanimously recommended Tuesday that City Council spend $5 million to buy the vacant Circuit City property next to Town Center. Beach officials are eyeing the property for a possible light-rail station and potential expansion of Town Center. The 3.74-acre site is assessed at $5.8 million, according to the Beach's latest tax records.

VIRGINIA BEACH The city's development authority will vote Tuesday on whether to buy the vacant Circuit City property next to Town Center for $5 million, setting the groundwork for a potential light-rail line and station. The City Council likely will make the final decision when it meets in August.

NORFOLK Kirn Memorial Library, which is being readied for demolition for a light-rail station, is far more laced with asbestos than anyone ever thought. It's in the ceiling, the walls, the columns and even the glue on the floor.

NORFOLK The intersections of Duke and Bute streets and Duke and York streets will close Friday through Tuesday for utility work for light rail. Dominion Virginia Power will relocate manholes and underground duct banks. Motorists are urged to use Brambleton Avenue to Botetourt Street and Boush Street to College Place.