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Norfolk to close outbound Norview Avenue lanes for about six months for water and sewer replacements, city says
Summary
City of Norfolk staff told council a six‑month Phase 1 on Norview Avenue near Norfolk International Airport will close outbound lanes to replace aging water/sewer mains; inbound airport access will be maintained and staff will coordinate traffic mitigation and airport alignment work.
City utilities staff briefed Norfolk’s council on April 14 on a planned water and sewer rehabilitation on Norview Avenue near Norfolk International Airport that will require approximately six months of outbound lane closures on a roughly half‑ to one‑mile stretch.
Staff said the work addresses aging 1950s‑era water mains and sewer lines, protects proximity to Lake Whitehurst and requires significant underground utility relocations. The first phase will close outbound lanes (the lanes drivers use when leaving the airport) for roughly six months while inbound travel will be maintained.
"This area ranks in the top 10 neighborhoods for aging utility infrastructure ... some key factors include proximity to Lake Whitehurst ... and 1950s‑aged water mains and sewer," utilities staff said, describing the reasons for the rehabilitation and noting that access to residences and businesses will be maintained.
Planned changes include adding a second turn lane onto Azalea Garden from the airport, revised signal timing to improve flow and special pavement markings. Staff said traffic consultants concluded outbound closures were needed for safety during the combined water and wastewater work and that moving lanes across the median was not an option.
Councilmembers raised concerns about the timing (peak travel months and holidays), potential traffic spillover onto Military Highway and access to nearby shopping centers. Staff said they will fold mitigation options into the traffic‑management plan, continue coordination with airport staff and consider alternatives where feasible.
Staff said Phase 2 (inbound lane work) likely will not be scheduled until after October 2026 and that additional traffic plans for that phase are under development.
Provenance: Overview and Q&A recorded in the work session (presentation begins SEG 714; council Q&A through SEG 851).
