Norfolk extends light rail construction hours
NORFOLK — The city of Norfolk is extending light rail construction hours to try to prevent future delays with the project.
Right now crews primarily work from 7 am until 4 or 5 pm, according to Public Works Director John Keifer. The new agreement would allow them to work until 2 am.
“The primary thing on the project is just to get it done as quickly as we can,” explained Keifer.
Representatives from the city and Hampton Roads Transit discussed the plans with people who live in the Freemason section of Norfolk Monday night.
Keifer promised crews would not do any of the loud construction work after 10 pm, but he could not say which activities would be prohibited.
“We know they can’t jackhammer after 10 pm and we talked about some other activities, but we don’t have specifics yet,” said Keifer. “That’s something we’ll have to work out with the contractor.”
Neighbors want more details.
“If they aren’t going to be doing anything noisy, fine, but they need to specifically define it for us,” said Tim Baumgartner.
Several weeks ago he says crews were jackhammering throughout the night and keeping his family awake. He’s required to get a certain amount of sleep to fly with the Air Force.
“It was very disruptive,” said Baumgartner. “He was waking up every night and I know our neighbors’ children were up every night. If this little guy’s up, you’re definitely not sleeping.”
Other neighbors want the ban on loud construction at 8 pm instead of 10 pm.
“I wouldn’t care if it took longer, it would be nice if the hours were different,” said Eliza Neff. “They’re already behind schedule so what’s a little bit longer going to mean?”
The city says light rail construction downtown is 50-60% complete. They expect it to be finished this summer.