Brambleton Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Given the severe disruption this project will cause for downtown, ODU, and the Medical Center Complex, has the city required the repairs  to be done on a 24/7 (around the clock) time schedule? 

A.  We have not required the contractor to perform the work on the Brambleton Avenue Bridge on a 24/7 basis.  While 24/7 operations are used very successfully on some highway projects, notably VDOT Interstate maintenance projects, there would be a number of consequences associated with a 24/7 operation on the Brambleton Avenue Bridge.

One of those consequences is the proximity of the bridge to the residential areas along the Hague, in Freemason Harbor, and in Fort Norfolk.  The work on the Brambleton Avenue Bridge is going to be noisy.  Included in the rehabilitation are pile driving operations, demolition of the existing concrete bridge decks on both spans, and numerous concrete repairs involving chipping hammers and other similar equipment.  The sound of this work will be very noticeable during the day, but the sound at night drifting across the water would be very disturbing to the adjacent neighborhoods.   In addition, work at night would require the use of very bright construction lights along the bridge, powered by numerous generators, further compounding the disruption.

Another consequence of night work on the bridge would be safety and quality control. Marine work is by its very nature somewhat dangerous, and the insurance premiums for marine contractors reflect this.  Night operations compound this danger, particularly for work beneath the bridge deck where construction lighting is problematic.  Also, during demolition of the bridge decks it will be necessary for the contractor to prevent concrete rubble from falling into Smith’s Creek.  Working at night makes it very difficult for the contractor to collect the rubble properly, and for our construction inspectors to insure this is the case.   Lastly, when the new bridge decks are formed and finished, working under lights does not result in the same quality riding surface as work performed during natural daylight. VDOT does use night work to perform joint repairs on the interstate because of the heavy traffic volume during the day, but the resulting product does not provide a smooth riding surface.

Finally, a word about cost.  Running a 24/7 operation with three shifts would require a contactor with a very large workforce, and there are only a few contractors that could supply the necessary manpower for such an operation.   A 24/7 requirement would preclude most moderate sized contractors from being able to bid the project, and this in turn because of reduced competition would drive up the cost of the bridge project significantly.

In summary, a 24/7 operation on a major roadway project was a consideration.   In the particular case of the Brambleton Avenue Bridge there would be a number of consequences including disturbances to residents, safety, and quality control which would result from such an operation.   We recognize the inconvenience which will result from the bridge project, but trust that constructing the project during normal working hours will result in a much better project with fewer disruptions overall.

Send your questions to:

Chuck Joyner, P.E.

Assistant City Engineer

Public Works - Design & Construction Division

810 Union Street, Room 700

Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 664-4602

E-mail: pwdesign@norfolk.gov