Newport News Now

March 26, 2020

Newport News City Facilities to Remain Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

City & Health Department Officials to Hold Facebook Live Event Tonight at 6 p.m.

In light of Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53 and in an effort to help “flatten the curve,” Newport News city facilities will remain closed to the public until further notice. Citizens are encouraged to visit www.nnva.gov/coronavirus to read specifics about the closure along with a list of online resources for conducting business with the city during this time. 

“In these unprecedented times, we must all do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing, and staying home when possible,” said City Manager Cindy Rohlf. “And while our buildings are closed to the public, we are continuing to monitor and respond to the coronavirus outbreak and provide the essential services our citizens need.”

City and Health Department officials are holding a Facebook Live event tonight from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will take questions from viewers. Citizens can go to www.facebook.com/CityofNewportNews to hear directly from Mayor McKinley Price, City Manager Cindy Rohlf, Fire Chief Jeff Johnson and Acting Director of the Peninsula Health District Dr. Steve Julian about the impact of COVID-19 and related activities. Following brief comments from the panelists, viewers can submit questions that will be addressed live. This session will also air live on NNTV (Cox 48/Verizon 19), on   www.nnva.gov/nntvand NNTV’s YouTube pagePlease note: If you want to comment or ask a question, you must do so on the city’s Facebook page.

The closure will be re-evaluated based on the status of the outbreak and guidance from the Virginia Department of Health before reopening facilities to the public. For details on Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53 ordering statewide closure of K-12 schools and non-essential businesses, visit the Governor’s website . For information on COVID-19, including status updates, symptoms and prevention guidelines, citizens can visit the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Virtual Open House Public Meeting for Replacement of the Ft. Eustis Blvd Bridge 

The bridge that carries Ft. Eustis Boulevard (Route 105) over the Lee Hall Reservoir in Newport News will be undergoing construction beginning in May 2020. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in cooperation with the City of Newport News, is hosting a Virtual Open House Public Meeting on Thursday, April 2 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. to discuss the proposed replacement project. Representatives from the FHWA and the city will be available to answer questions about the project and the proposed schedule and provide information on expected changes to traffic patterns and alternate routes. The project is anticipated to take 30 months, with an estimated completion of Winter 2022.      

Ft. Eustis Boulevard provides a connection between Jefferson Avenue, Interstate 64 and Warwick Boulevard while also offering access to the main gate at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The existing bridge over the Lee Hall Reservoir, between the I-64 interchange and Warwick Boulevard, was originally constructed in 1960 and was widened in 1985 to its current lane configuration, with the last major rehabilitation of the bridge occurring in 1993. 

The entire bridge, including the deck, piers and abutments, will be replaced by a new structure designed to meet current standards. The project will be completed in phases to minimize impacts to the traveling public and commuters into and out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Traffic will be maintained in both directions during all phases of construction, with no less than one lane open in each direction. Some construction activities may require occasional, short term closures, but these will not occur during peak travel times. The FHWA, city and Joint Base Langley-Eustis are collaborating to implement traffic management strategies to mitigate the impacts due to construction. During peak morning and afternoon rush hour, travelers on Ft. Eustis Boulevard should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes or avoid travel during peak times.

For information and project updates visit the project website . To join the virtual meeting, visit the Public Meeting website on Thursday, April 2 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.