Annual Street Sweeping Begins April 1

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It’s officially spring, and that means it’s time for the city’s annual spring cleaning! The Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department will begin street sweeping operations on Monday, April 1, and will continue through mid-October, weather permitting. Village Green is in Section E from the map. Section E’s scheduled dates are: May 20-24; Aug 12-16; and Oct 14-18.

Street sweeping plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of our local waterways by removing accumulated debris and pollutants, such as sand, salt, metals, petroleum products, and bacteria, before they enter the storm drains. This season, the city is deploying ten mechanical street sweepers at regularly scheduled times to clear debris from city-maintained roads. In 2023 alone, 20,085 miles of curbs were swept and 6,558 dump truck loads of debris were removed from city streets.

Please be mindful of the bright orange signs posted on major streets leading into neighborhoods, indicating temporary parking restrictions for street sweeping. In the Southeast Community, where off-street parking is limited and one-way streets are common, permanent red and white signs specify a once-per-month period when parking is prohibited for street sweeping.

On street sweeping days, ensure that vehicles, basketball goals, and other bulk items are off the streets by 9 a.m.; parking may resume after 3 p.m. Private streets, mobile home parks, and privately owned apartment complex streets are not included in the street sweeping program.

For a detailed street sweeping schedule and more information about the program, please visit the Public Works Website or call 757-933-2311.

Plan Now for Two Multi-day James River Bridge Closures

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The contractor for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) James River Bridge Wire Ropes Replacement Project has announced their approved schedule to implement two extended roadway and maritime closures in January and February 2024 at the Route 17 James River Bridge between Newport News and Isle of Wight County. As part of the project to replace the bridge’s 80 counterweight wire ropes that are necessary to lift the bridge span for marine traffic, the contractor must implement two separate, 100-hour full operational closures at the bridge for maritime traffic that require bridge openings and all vehicular traffic.

Scheduled Closure Dates:

  • 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16
  • 1 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6

Backup Closure Dates:

In the event the scheduled closures cannot be implemented, VDOT will provide advance notice to the public for the following approved backup dates:

  • 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 19 through 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23
  • 1 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 through 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12

During the full closures, all traffic will be detoured to the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as one of the primary alternate travel routes. Additional alternate routes include the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry and Route 460.

For maritime travel during the closures, marine vessels that do not require a bridge opening can continue to use the navigational channel under the bridge throughout the project’s duration. However, during these timeframes, no bridge openings can be performed for marine vessels that require a bridge lift. Maritime travel impacts may extend up to an additional 24 hours to ensure the bridge span is aligned and operating properly after a series of test lifts; however, VDOT will provide updates should this extension occur.

To receive updates about the JRB Wire Rope Replacement Project and other transportation developments, sign up for VDOT notifications by taking any of the following steps:

For additional information and answers to project-related questions, please review the Frequently Asked Questions provided on the VDOT project website.

Ambassador Pass Gives City Employees, Residents Free Admission to Attractions

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New to the neighborhood/Newport News and/or looking for something to do in the new year, check out the Newport News Ambassador Pass program. The Newport News Ambassador Pass program, now in its 24th year, encourages Newport News residents and current City of Newport News employees to be “visitors” in their hometown by providing passes for free one-time admission to nine attractions throughout the city. Valid for two adults and two children, this year’s pass includes a round of disc golf at Newport News Park, the Lee Hall Mansion, Virginia War Museum, and more.

Starting Dec 20, residents and city employees can pick up an “Ambassador Pass” through Feb. 4, 2024, at three locations throughout the city:

  • Newport News Tourism Office (closest), 702 Town Center Drive (Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F but closed Dec. 22-26 and Jan. 1).
  • Newport News Visitor Center, 13560 Jefferson Ave., at the entrance to Newport News Park (Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily but closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1).
  • Newport News Communications Office, 6th Floor, City Hall, 2400 Washington Ave (Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F but closed Dec. 22-26 and Jan. 1).

City Holiday Closings, Collections Schedules

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The upcoming holidays will impact Newport News city operating hours and services. Here’s a look at how city offices, facilities, and services will be affected:

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

City Offices, Libraries, Recovery Operations Center

Closed Friday, Dec. 22 – Tuesday, Dec. 26

Recreation Centers

Brittingham-Midtown and Denbigh Community Centers will be open Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23, until 1 p.m. All other recreation facilities will be closed.

Garbage, Recycling & Bulk Waste Collections

No collections on Monday, Dec. 25. All collections for the week are delayed by one day. Village Green will be have garbage, recycling & bulk waste collected Tuesday, Dec 26.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter

  • Sunday, Dec. 24, both the Adoption Center and Animal Reclaim/Surrender Lobby close at 4 p.m.
  • Mon., Dec. 25, the Animal Reclaim/Surrender Lobby will close at 1 p.m. Open Tues., Dec. 26, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 25 – Tuesday, Dec. 26, the Adoption Center will be closed. Open Wed., Dec. 27, for adoptions noon-5 p.m.

NEW YEAR HOLIDAY

City Offices, Libraries, Recreation Centers

Closed Monday, Jan. 1

Recovery Operations Center

Closed Saturday, Dec. 30 – Monday, Jan. 1

Garbage, Recycling & Bulk Waste Collections

No collections on Monday, Jan. 1. All collections for the week are delayed by one day. Village Green will be have garbage collected Tuesday, Jan 2.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter

  • Monday, Jan. 1, the Animal Reclaim/Surrender Lobby will close at 1 p.m. Open Tuesday, Jan. 2, 8 a.m. -5 p.m.
  • Mon., Jan. 1 – Tuesday, Jan. 2, the Adoption Center is closed. Open Wednesday, Jan. 3, for adoptions, noon – 5 p.m.

Take some time to enjoy all of the holiday happenings throughout the city in the NlightN Holiday Event Series. Experience the sights and sounds of the season with FREE nightly light shows at Lights at the Fountain at City Center! And don’t forget about Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park, where you can see two miles of dazzling holiday light displays from the comfort of your car (tickets are $15-18 per car).

Recycle, Repurpose Household Items After Holidays

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Before putting any items out with the trash after the holidays, consider whether your seasonal decorations and other household items are reusable, recyclable, or if they might come in handy for someone else. Here are some ideas on how to safely dispose or repurpose holiday trimmings and other household items:

  • Naturally-grown Christmas trees and fresh greenery – On Dec. 26, Newport News will collect and chip Christmas trees into mulch or compost that are used to beautify city and county public spaces. Remove all tinsel, ornaments, lights and stands or tree will not be accepted. You can also drop off Monday through Saturday 8 am to 4 pm (except for city observed holidays) at the Recovery Operations Center located at 520 Atkinson Way. Another option is to place the tree in a quiet corner of the yard, where it can provide a haven for birds and other wildlife.
  • Holiday cards, mail, packaging, wrapping – As long as holiday cards and envelopes do not have glitter or have metallic accents, these stationary items can go in the recycling container. This goes for non-coated, plain wrapping paper and plain gift bags too—without glitter or foil. Cardboard boxes are also recyclable.
  • Plastic bags – These should never go in the recycling container, but you can take plastic bags to most chain grocery stores for recycling (such as Target, Kroger, or Food Lion). Resolve to have reusable tote bags on hand when shopping in the future (if you don’t do this already).
  • Retired electronics – If a new PC, laptop, printer, or phone made your holiday bright, set aside the retired versions for donation or special collection. Some thrift stores accept electronics and resell them to support charitable causes. Best Buy will accept most older electronics for recycling. Batteries+ will accept most non-alkaline batteries for recycling.
  • Clothing and items for re-gifting – For gifts received that you would not or could not use, consider re-gifting these to someone who would!

For more guidelines and tips for keeping Hampton Roads clean and green, visit askHRgreen.org.

Practice Fire Safety this Holiday Season

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Festive celebrations, family dinners, and flickering lights make the holidays magical, but they also pose fire risks. The Newport News Fire Department and the Village Green community encourages everyone to stay safe this holiday season. Below are some tips from the Newport News Fire Department to ensure you and your family remain safe this holiday season.

Holiday Decorations

  • Select decorations that are flame-resistant or flame retardant.
  • Use flameless candles.
  • Ensure that lights can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Replace broken or frayed lighting strands.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent cord damage.
  • Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Turn off all light decorations when leaving the home or going to bed.
  • Keep live trees well-watered!

Holiday Entertaining

  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and tell guests about your home escape plan.
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
  • Keep matches and lighters locked away from children.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
  • NEVER use water on an electric, grease, or gas fire.

Fall Prevention

  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Install nightlights.
  • Use a slip mat for the bath.
  • Clear traffic areas of clutter.
  • Use tape to secure area rugs.

For more tips, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s Holiday Fire Prevention webpage.

Airport Master Plan Public Information Session

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Newport News Williamsburg Airport (PHF) is in the process of developing an updated Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan (ALP), which will help determine the future of the airport. There will be a public information session on Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, in City Center at Oyster Point.

The Airport Master Plan is being developed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance and is principally funded by the FAA and Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV). This public information session will serve as an opportunity for the community to learn about the Airport Master Plan process, interact with the project team, and provide input. The Airport’s last Master Plan and ALP were completed in 2014.

Since 2014, the aviation industry has changed significantly, and this Master Plan will examine the facilities needed to accommodate these changes. This session will focus on the planning process, the existing airport inventory, and aviation forecasts.

Additional details including goals and timelines can be found at masterplan.newportnewsairport.com.

Garbage, Recycling, Bulk Waste Collection Schedule Adjusted for Thanksgiving

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The Newport News City offices and Libraries will close on Wednesday, Nov 22, at noon. On Thursday Nov 23 and Friday, Nov 24, Newport News City offices and most facilities will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Residential garbage, recycling and bulk waste collection services will be affected due to the holiday.

The normal collection schedule will be shifted a day for all garbage, recycling, & bulk waste services during the week of Nov 27. All services will return to normal on Monday, Dec 4.

Residents can find their specific collection day by visiting the Solid Waste News Flash or by calling 757-933-2311.

Trash, recycling, and bulk waste pickup will be modified as follows:

The Newport News office hours are as follows: