Fort Norfolk handrail installation and sidewalk repair begins Tuesday

Posted September 3, 2009
By Jerry Rogers
Norfolk District Public Affairs

9/3/2009 - FORT NORFOLK, Va. — Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, and over the next 75 days, the western waterfront sidewalk here will be closed to the public as Norfolk District contractor, Hammer/Delaware Team of Virginia Beach, Va., installs a safety handrail and performs necessary sidewalk repairs.

The concrete sidewalk, installed in 1983, is 610-feet long, 9.5-feet wide, with a 4-inch depth, said Kristin Mazur, project manager. "Several portions of the exterior edge of the sidewalk have eroded from a combination of normal wave energy action and salt water exposure. While the sidewalk is still traversable," continued Mazur, "a need for the handrail has been expressed to enhance safety."

There is an approximate 7-foot vertical drop from the edge of the western sidewalk to rocks and water below.

"The style of handrail is intended to compliment the historic aesthetics of Fort Norfolk, while providing safety for our employees and the public," said Mazur.

In addition to the sidewalk closure, the small parking area, where the survey skiffs are located out back, will close to all foot traffic and vehicles. Approximately 30 days into the project, the back dock and boat ramp will be accessible by foot only.

The Fort Norfolk Handrail and Sidewalk Repair Project is set for completion in November. For more information on this project, contact Mazur at 201-7257, or Andy Reid, construction representative at 201-7053.