Downtown Norf. lane
closures begin Mon.

NORFOLK, Va. - There are some major traffic headaches in store for people who live, work and shop in downtown Norfolk.

Certain streets will either be closed or reduced to one lane starting Monday at 7 p.m. and the changes will remain in effect for at least two months.

It's all because of construction projects to get the new light rail system up and running.

The west bound lanes of City Hall Avenue from Monticello to Boush will be closed and other lanes in downtown will be redirected, so power crews can relocate utilities for the light rail project.

The owner of Littman's Pawn Shop downtown says he's already mapped out a new route for his customers.

"You have to tell them take Waterside, count the lights, and you're there," said Donald Hornstein.

Gloria Young works downtown and said, "Oh man, that's going to be bad, that's the only way I get home."

On Wednesday, the Kirn Memorial Library shutdown to make way for light rail construction. And, there will no doubt be more changes downtown before the $288-million project is done and light rail is ready to open in 2010.

Below is the press release from Norfolk's Public Works Department:

Beginning Monday, January 5, two inside westbound lanes will be closed on City Hall Avenue at the intersection of Monticello Avenue. The lane closures are necessary for Dominion Virginia Power to relocate utilities to prepare for light rail construction. The work will begin after the evening rush hour at approximately 7 p.m. Crews will work 12-hours a day in order to complete the project as quickly as possible. It is estimated that the project will take approximately 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.

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.