Trouble spots along light rail route

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY.com) - Downtown residents pointed out trouble spots along the Norfolk light rail route.

Norfolk resident Greg Harris tried to maneuver his wheelchair along a sidewalk on Boush Street. The position of a light rail pole makes that feat nearly impossible. The pole is right in the middle of the sidewalk, and Harris would have to go into the street to get around it.

Downtown Civic League President Kevin Murphy said the pole is one of four obstacles along the light rail route. The problems were noticed during a walk with residents two weeks ago.

"We knew that there were some issues but I would say we were a little bit surprised at the number of issues that will have to be dealt with after the fact,"said Murphy.

Murphy detailed the problems in a 13-page photo album to city light rail officials. One of the problems was at the corner of Monticello and City Hall.

"This is one area they're going to need to add a cross walk," said Murphy.

Murphy also pointed out the different shades of green paint on several poles along the route. His biggest concern was Flat Iron Park at the north end of Granby Street. A cluster of light, power, and crossing poles along with an electrical box crowd the corner.

"It's the first thing people see when they're coming in from the north. The restaurant and entertainment district deserves a little more than to look like a butchered park."

With Murphy's pictures in hand, WAVY.com asked city light rail representative Jennifer Gwaltney about the pole on Boush Street. She said it will be moved. The city's own team found other issues as well.

"The pedestrian signal they noticed it was too high, especially for a handicapped person, so its going to be lowered," said Gwaltney.

For residents and businesses, these are not picky requests. There is a bigger picture for them

"Unity, being together, working together and that's the type of thing its presents its not always somebody talking," said business owner Baxter Simmons, Sr.

City officials are asking for everyone's input on places that need to be fixed. The link is posted online at Light Rail Construction Punch List for Citizens .