We proposed a mass transit system to link the two cities of Norfolk (particularly the Naval base and Airport) and Virginia Beach. The study was sponsored by the Department of Transportation as a contender for a demonstration project. The area was preferred as a default, because a defense readiness argument could be made. (Remember that this was the height of the Cold War.) The routes followed existing rail, highway and high voltage rights of way. The rolling stock were to be rail/buses, which were normal buses fitted with lowerable rail dollies. This allows the buses to travel at 60-70 mph on tracks and at the ends of the line travel on city streets by whatever routes make sense. The photos are of wall panels made for presentation to the Virginia Beach delegation, who were the potential spoilers. As a matter of history, Norfolk and Virginia Beach have a long and deep rivalry, and Virginia Beach did in fact kill this project, to be 100% funded by federal money. The money ($200M in 1972) was spent in Morgantown West Virginia instead. Twenty eight years later, the route was seriously proposed as a light rail route with precisely the same route and stops (though without skipping to road median at the ocean end because of federal rules). This time the estimated $1B (in 1999) would have been 80% paid by federal dollars and once again Virginia Beach stuck Norfolk in the eye, turning down the money. Again, the motive was largely racial. The presentation shown here concerned only the stops in Virginia Beach. The focus was on the terminus at the oceanfront which was a huge, multipurpose complex on then available land. The Yellow property was privately owned but controlled by friendly parties; Green owned by the city; Blue (primarily highway median) We called that complex, “Gateway” to Virginia Beach. It consisted of a rail/bus terminal; conference center; hotel; regional contemporary arts center; central library; primary and secondary magnet schools and junior college; aquarium; children’s zoo; amusement park; municipal recreation center; and marina. Following our studies, the hotel, arts center, convention center, and marina were constructed but in an uncoordinated way. The schools were already there and have been minimally upgraded. The central library, junior college and aquarium were built elsewhere in the city and the children’s zoo in Norfolk. (We did the preliminary studies for the second and final location of the Marine Science Museum in conjunction with a water park. Those two projects were built, but with no connection.) The photos are somewhat poor and misregistered. Sorry.
Nineteen photos of the Virginia Beach stations are here. Some are black and white, with some color versions of poorer quality. | ||
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