$10M to $14M Christopher Shores Stormwater Project Costs Proposed
Plus, fire hydrant checks, open air burning reminder, school dates, sustainability at NNSB, and CNU campus walks
Newport News sought contractors for the second phase of a stormwater system replacement in Christopher Shores, a south Newport News neighborhood built in 1949 whose aging drainage network struggles with modern runoff and causes street flooding. Bids submitted for the project, which will be designed for a 10 year storm event, ranged from about $10 million to $14 million, with construction expected to take about two years to complete.
With the bidding period now closed, the city has posted pricing results from four vendors, though no vendor has yet been formally selected. Henry S. Branscome LLC submitted the lowest bid at $9,996,900, followed by Bridgeman Civil, Inc. at $12,880,000, LandWerks Contracting, Inc. at $13,494,310, and Tidewater Utility Construction, Inc. at $14,018,725. The city has said it will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Popular real estate website Homes.com describes Christopher Shores as an affordable, established community in south Newport News, close to Hampton, the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, and Newport News Shipbuilding. Some areas of the neighborhood currently lack adequate stormwater infrastructure entirely, while the existing system elsewhere cannot manage current runoff flow rates or meet modern standards. The project is intended to reduce the risk of street flooding throughout the neighborhood by installing a new drainage system capable of conveying runoff from a 10 year storm event and meeting current stormwater management requirements.
The bid covers a broad scope of work, including installation of storm sewer pipe along with dozens of precast concrete manholes and curb drop inlets. It also includes removal of the existing storm system, pavement demolition and replacement across 6,500 square yards, curb and gutter replacement, driveway and sidewalk work, traffic control, tree removal, erosion and sediment control, and right of way restoration. A separate scope for Newport News Waterworks covers water line installation, valves, and service transfers.
In other news:
Government
Newport News Waterworks Conducts Twice-Annual Fire Hydrant Inspections Newport News Waterworks reminds residents that fire hydrant inspections are performed twice yearly to ensure adequate water supply for fire suppression and maintain high-quality drinking water. The work is conducted Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3:30 PM, weather permitting, typically at two to three locations simultaneously. An independent contractor hired by Waterworks performs the inspections, so residents may not see uniformed Waterworks employees or vehicles. When inspections occur near homes or businesses, residents may experience reduced water pressure and discolored water. The agency notes that these conditions are temporary and often caused by accumulated sediment being flushed from water mains. Residents experiencing low pressure lasting more than a few minutes should contact Waterworks Customer Service at 757-926-1000 or submit a report through the customer portal. For discolored water, running water through a bathtub faucet for several minutes typically resolves the issue. Newport News currently maintains 11,752 fire hydrants throughout the city.
Vice Mayor Bethany Selected for Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows Program The City of Newport News announced that Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III has been selected to join the second cohort of the Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows, a bipartisan initiative of The Hunt Institute. This program brings together local elected officials from across Virginia to engage in collaborative discussions on critical education policy issues. Through the fellowship, participants will participate in sessions addressing early childhood education, K-12 systems, postsecondary attainment, and workforce development. Fellows will work across party lines with experts, legislators, and educators to identify strategies that improve student outcomes and strengthen education systems. According to Vice Mayor Bethany, Newport News remains committed to investing in youth through initiatives like the new Huntington Middle School and the Youth Career Program.
Education
Newport News Schools Set Open House and Orientation Dates Newport News Public Schools has scheduled orientations and open houses to help students and families get acquainted with their schools. Sixth grade orientation and middle school open house are set for Aug. 19, elementary open house for Aug. 20, and ninth grade orientation for Aug. 21. Preschool orientations begin Aug. 3 at select centers. Back-to-school nights follow in September for high school, middle school, and elementary families. Student schedules will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE in August. Families needing childcare bus transportation must submit requests by Aug. 5 to secure a stop by the first day. All NNPS students receive free breakfast and lunch, and questions should be directed to individual schools.
Business
Newport News Shipbuilding showcases inside machinist Thomas Hatfield HII shared a video about Thomas Hatfield, an inside machinist in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Machine Shop. Hatfield carries forward a family tradition of shipbuilding, inspired by his Master Shipbuilder grandfather to pursue work in mechanical systems and precision machining.
HII Names New Infrastructure Vice President at Newport News Shipbuilding HII announced that Chris Helton has been appointed vice president of infrastructure and sustainability at its Newport News Shipbuilding division, effective Aug. 31. In the role, he will oversee infrastructure modernization, facilities, environmental health and safety, and security at the shipyard, reporting to Karey Malyszko, NNS vice president of quality, process excellence and plant operations. A 35-year shipbuilder, he joins NNS from HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, where he most recently served as director of post-launch electrical operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering technology and an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Public Safety
Newport News Fire Department Outlines Open Burning Permit Requirements The City of Newport News Fire Department reminds residents that open burning regulations are strictly enforced to protect public safety. Most types of outdoor burning require an approved permit and adherence to specific safety standards. Land clearing, debris disposal, pit burns, and bonfires are prohibited without a permit. However, certain activities like religious fires, warming fires, cooking fires, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces may be permitted with restrictions. Open burning permits cost $300 plus $35 per acre or fraction thereof. All permitted fires must use untreated wood only, be constantly attended, and have extinguishment methods readily available. Fires must be located at least 50 feet from structures, with exceptions for smaller fires and approved containers. For more information or to request a permit, contact Interim Chief Fire Marshal Joseph Carucci at 757-975-5400.
Recreation & Events
Christopher Newport University President to Lead Weekly Campus Walks Christopher Newport University is inviting the campus community to participate in Wednesday Walks with President Kelly beginning August 19. These casual walking sessions take place every Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m., starting at DSU Plaza, and provide an opportunity for community members to connect with one another before the day begins. The walks proceed at a conversational pace and welcome both new and returning participants looking to get some exercise or meet friends. During inclement weather, the walks move indoors to the Freeman Center. The program continues weekly throughout the academic year, with exceptions made when the University is closed for holidays or breaks.
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