Norfolk Southern Railroad Crossing Replacements 2012

Background

• Norfolk Southern railroad crossings within the city of Norfolk have reached the end of their useful life and Norfolk Southern has been permitted by the city to replace 8 crossings between April and July. Because the project occurs within city limits, and greatly impacts motorists and pedestrians, this web site has been created to provide details and contacts for the project.

The Schedule in Brief

• The crossings and schedule (weather permitting) are identified below: (Click on the link for an aerial view of the crossing and detour information as the closure date approaches.)

A map of crossing projects for 2012:

The crossings scheduled for replacement, weather permitting:

• E Princess Anne Road between Tidewater Drive and Park Avenue
•  Date:  Starts Monday, May 21 through Friday, May 25
• The Detour:  
  • Eastbound - From Tidewater Drive and E. Princess Anne Road, keep straight toward VA Beach Boulevard, use the roundabout and proceed onto VA Beach Boulevard eastbound, turn left at Park Avenue, arrive at E. Princess Anne Road
  • Westbound - From Park Avenue and E.Princess Anne Road, turn right onto VA Beach Boulevard, turn right onto Tidewater Drive, arrive at E. Princess Anne Road 
  • Detour map and Directions
  • Street View of Crossing
•  Saint Julians Avenue (installing 5/19-5/20) while the roadway is currently closed for intercity rail work
• Church Street (one direction at a time)
• Barre Street
• Goff Street
• E Olney Road
• E Indian River Road
• Berkley Ave Extended

The Project

• Norfolk Southern will be replacing/repairing their railroad crossings in 8 locations within the city from late May through mid-August.  The crossings have reached the end of their useful life. This work will result in less breakdowns, delays, and speedier trains. Norfolk Southern met with the City's Traffic Mitigation Team as they understand that this is a major project with tremendous impact to motorists, businesses and residents. The contractor will install traffic control and devise all maintenance of traffic plans with coordination and approval from the city’s Traffic Mitigation Team and other stakeholders.
  • Major Impact: At each project location, the entire crossing will be closed, except for Church Street, which will be replaced in directional segments. This means on most crossings all traffic in both directions will be detoured. Emergency vehicle access will be blocked, but the City Emergency Operations has programmed routes around the closures to optimize response times. Pedestrian and bicycle access will be detoured. 
  • The Work: Full closures from 3-5 days in length are necessary because the track is fabricated as one long piece for safety of the train and surrounding area/motorists.
    • 1st - Norfolk Southern Union crews will work 14-16 hour days to fabricate and install new rails in stone.
    • 2nd- Norfolk Southern contractor, Action Paving will imbed rails in asphalt/concrete immediately following rail installation.

Public Outreach

The City will send out traffic information in weekly and special advisories, on Facebook, Twitter, the Civic Connection and other media. This webpage will be updated regularly.

Questions or concerns? 

Norfolk Southern Customer Service Center: (800) 635-5768

All Emergencies: (800) 453-2530

Media inquires?  Robin Chapman; Phone: 757-629-2713;  robin.chapman@nscorp.com