Archive for category: Crier

As early as Jan. 10, contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are scheduled to lift the long-term traffic shift and lane reduction on I-64 west near J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (exit 258) in Newport News. This marks the completion of the third and final phase of long-term traffic shifts for bridge rehabilitation at this location as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment. Following completion of this work, motorists will have access to all lanes of travel on this section of the I-64 west corridor.

In order to implement this lift, the I-64 west on-ramp from northbound J. Clyde Morris Boulevard will be temporarily closed overnight, starting as early as Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning, with a signed detour in place.

A similar long-term traffic shift and lane reduction remains in place on I-64 east at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard to facilitate ongoing bridge rehabilitation work. The eastbound shift is scheduled to be lifted by as early as February.

All work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change.

Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs and drive distraction-free.

Before hitting the road, consider using VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools, or the free 511-integrated Waze GPS app, to check for the most up-to-date road and travel conditions. VDOT’s 511Virginia website and mobile app offer information about construction, traffic, incidents, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather-related impacts and more.

Hampton Roads Express Lanes Newport News Segment

This work is part of the HREL Newport News Segment Project that spans approximately 11.5 miles on I-64, starting just east of LaSalle Avenue (exit 265) in Hampton and ending 1.2 miles west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. For 10.5 miles of the segment, from just west of Jefferson Avenue (exit 255) to I-664 (exit 264), the existing HOV lane in each direction will be converted into an Express Lane, alongside the three general purpose lanes. For the last 1 mile of the segment between I-664 and LaSalle Avenue, one general purpose lane will be converted into an Express Lane in each direction, alongside two general purpose lanes.

The HREL Newport News Segment will ultimately become a part of an overall continuous 45-mile high-occupancy toll Express Lanes network on I-64, from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. As traffic demand continues to increase in the region, incorporating the Express Lanes dynamic tolling model, together with other interstate improvements, provides an additional approach to managing congestion in the long term and providing more travel choices and a reliable travel network for Hampton Roads motorists. For more information on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes projects and to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts and to sign up to receive project updates, visit 64expresslanes.org.

The HREL website now features an interactive map to help motorists stay informed about long-term traffic impacts across all HREL projects. The map displays current long-term lane and ramp closures along the HREL corridor, offering a user-friendly way to view potential travel impacts and focus on locations most relevant to each trip. Whether planning a daily commute or keeping up with project progress, the map can help motorists navigate I-64 with greater awareness. To explore the map, visit VDOT’s Long-Term Traffic Impacts page.

As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, several city offices and services will be closed or operate on adjusted schedules. Here’s what you need to know:

City Offices: City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24; Thursday, Dec. 25; Friday, Dec. 26; and Thursday, Jan 1.

Libraries: All Newport News libraries will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24, Thursday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Dec. 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Newport News Libraries will close at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Recreation Centers: All recreation centers will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 26. Recreation centers will close at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, and will resume regular operating hours on Friday, Jan. 2.

Garbage, Recycling, and Bulk Waste Collections: There will be no collections on Thursday, Dec. 25. Thursday’s collections will be rescheduled to Friday, Dec. 26. There will be no holiday collection delay on Wednesday, Dec. 24. There will also be no delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers.

There will be no collections on Thursday, Jan. 1. Thursday’s collections will be rescheduled to Friday. There will also be no delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers.

Recovery Operations Center: Closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Saturday, Dec. 27.

The Recovery Operations Center will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1.

Adoption Center and Reunite Lobby: The Adoption Lobby will operate on a modified schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and will reopen on Friday, Dec. 26, at 12 p.m. The Adoption Lobby will also be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1

The Reunite Lobby will operate on a limited schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Thursday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Reunite Lobby will resume regular hours on Friday, Dec. 26, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the Reunite Lobby will close early at 4 p.m., and on Thursday, Jan. 1, it will operate on a limited schedule from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Every year, as autumn settles over Newport News, neighborhoods transform into a patchwork of gold, amber, and deep red. It’s a beautiful season — and also one of the busiest for the City’s Public Works Street Maintenance Division. When the leaves begin to fall, an extraordinary citywide operation starts behind the scenes: loose-leaf collection.

This annual service is more than a convenience. It’s a coordinated effort that protects storm drains, keeps roads safe, and preserves the natural beauty of our communities. Here’s how the process works — and how residents can help keep it running smoothly.

A Citywide Rhythm

Newport News is divided into three major leaf-collection areas. Each one has a scheduled start date during the fall and winter months, allowing crews to work efficiently through thousands of households.
Area 2 begins in early December <- Village Green is in Area 2
Area 3 follows just before the New Year
Area 1 starts in late January
A final citywide sweep takes place in February

The schedule is carefully planned to ensure that every neighborhood receives one full collection round before the season ends.

How the Crews Work

Once a zone opens, teams move methodically through each street using specialized vacuum trucks designed to scoop up large piles of loose leaves. The trucks work best when piles are neatly placed and free of debris — that’s why resident preparation is crucial to the system.

Crews rely on clear curbs and good visibility. Leaves must be raked to the edge of the roadway, not to the street or drainage ditch. When leaves block gutters or storm drains, water backs up. It can cause localized flooding — especially during the winter rain season. Keeping the piles out of the street helps keep everyone safer.

Why Preparation Matters

To keep everything running smoothly, residents are asked to have their leaves at the curb line by 7 a.m. on the first day their area’s collection begins. Because crews make one pass through each neighborhood, timing is everything.

A Few Small Steps From Residents Go a Long Way:

Keep leaves close to the road, but not in the street or ditch

Remove sticks, branches, and other debris — mixed piles cannot be collected

Avoid covering water meters and utility boxes

Wait until the week before your collection date to rake leaves out to the curb to prevent drifting

These simple actions help crews work faster, reduce equipment damage, and maintain proper drainage throughout the season.

Options for Bagged Leaves

For those who prefer to bag their leaves, another option is available year-round during regular bulk pickup. Leaves must be placed in clear plastic bags and limited to 30 per collection. This service helps households that accumulate leaves earlier or later than the loose-leaf schedule.

A Shared Effort, A Cleaner City

Loose-leaf collection is one of Newport News’ most anticipated seasonal services, and it works best when the community comes together. Residents prepare their yards; Public Works handles the heavy lifting. The result: cleaner streets, healthier storm drains, and neighborhoods that look their best heading into winter.

This fall, as the leaves begin to drop, a little preparation at home helps keep the entire city moving. And with a few simple steps, we can all do our part to protect the place we call home.

For more information, go to nnva.gov/857/Seasonal-Leaf-Collection or call our 311 team at 757-933-2311.

Newport News Leaf Collection Video