The notice below was sent directly to the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net from the Army Corps of Engineers Office in Norfolk, VA!

VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – ELIZABETH RIVER
THE CAPTAIN OF THE PORT HAMPTON ROADS ADVISES ALL LOCAL MARINERS,
VESSELS AND FACILITIES THAT SEAWARD MARINE CORPORATION WILL DISMANTLE THE COUNTERWEIGHT JACKING SYSTEM AND LOWER THE MESSENGER CABLES CROSSING THE NAVIGABLE CHANNEL OF THE JORDAN BRIDGE LOCATED AT APPROXIMATE POSITION 36-48-30N / 076-17-24W. THE 150′X 45′SPUD CRANE BARGE BILL JR AND ASSIST TUG ASHLEY CHANEL WILL BE IN THE NAVIGABLE CHANNEL EACH NIGHT BEGINNING AT 7 PM TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING FROM APRIL 12, 2010 TO APRIL 19, 2010. THE TUG ASHLEY CHANEL WILL MONITOR VHF CHANNELS 13 AND 16. VESSEL TRAFFIC IS PERMITTED TO TRANSIT IN THIS AREA DURING THE OPERATION HOWEVER, MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO USE CAUTION AND BARE STEERAGE IN THE AREA. VESSELS REQUIRING THE ENTIRE CHANNEL WIDTH ARE REQUESTED TO COORDINATE WITH SEAWARD MARINE BY CONTACTING RANDY TURNER AT 757-435-3031.
CANCEL AT//191100Z APR 10//
BT
NNNN

VA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – ELIZABETH RIVER (SOUTHERN BRANCH) TO THE ALBERMARLE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL
MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT THE DOMINION BOULVARD (US 17) BRIDGE AT AIWW MILE 8.8 ACROSS THE ELIZABETH RIVER (SOUTHERN BRANCH) IN CHESAPEAKE VA WILL BE CLOSED TO VESSELS REQUIRING AN OPENING BEGINNING AT 9 PM UNTIL 11:59 PM ON THURS FEBRUARY 4, 2010, TO PERFORM MECHANICAL REPAIRS. MARINERS SHOULD ADJUST THEIR TRANSIT
ACCORDINGLY.
Chart 12253

The Gilmerton Highway Bridge does not open during peak traffic times in the morning and afternoon (follow link below for exact schedule). Captain John had e-mailed and asked what this span’s opening schedule was during the day, between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm. I answered that as far as I could tell the bridge opened on demand during these hours. His note below confirms my findings.

Hi Claiborne,
Thanks for the quick response!
I did find a phone # for the Gilmerton Highway Bridge. I just spoke with them and they confirmed that between 08.30 and 15.30, they open on request.
Happy Thanksgiving!
John

Click Here To View the VA to NC Line’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For The Gilmerton Highway Bridge

Just this afternoon, word has been received that the lock at Great Bridge, Virginia (part of the primary “North Carolina – Virginia Cut” portion of the AICW) is once again operating normally, AND the alternate Dismal Swamp Canal route has also reopened. The Great Bridge Lock was temporarily closed due to high water (which also caused some electrical damage), and the Dismal was closed due to high water and some large trees which had fallen into the canal. Well, the water has dropped, the Great Bridge electrical problems are now history, and the “large trees” have been removed from the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Let the southern migration resume!!!!

Hi Claiborne
Thank you so much for this important update. My husband Tom and I arrived in Glouchester Point Va on Tuesday to take our boat south to Florida. This after a 2 year absence from our boat.Talk about trial by fire!
We are currently at Jordan Marine Service in Glouchester Point and abandoned the boat yesterday due to high water on the docks. We are safe and secure in an area motel awaiting better weather, and the boat is just fine and being well cared for by the capable people at Jordan Marine. We didn’t know about the great Bridge Lock closing so once again thank you for the information.You provide such a great service to boaters.
Pam and Tom Frech

i just got in Portsmouth Boating Center, dockage is $1.25 a ft per day which is pretty good…
Friendly folks and usually cheapest fuel in the area too…
Pascal

Effective October 15,2009, mariners are advised that the Coast Guard has removed the drawbridge operation regulations for the Jordan (S337) Bridge, at AIWW mile 2.8, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake VA. Since the vertical-lift span of the bridge was removed on May 6, 2009, a special operating regulation for a movable bridge is unnecessary. A copy of the Docket USCG-2009-0814 published in the Federal Register on October 15,2009, as a final rule isincluded as enclosure (1) to this notice.

I will be coming through this area of the ICW Nov. 14, I just called the number above to inquire about the restricted schedule and was told all work was complete and that they have returned to normal operations. Can anyone confirm this?
Joe

Subject: Gilmerton Bridge (mile 5.8)
Cruising News: I just contacted the bridge tender at the Gilmerton Bridge (VA, mile 5.8) about the scheduled weekend restrictions. He said all work has been completed and the Gilmerton will be opening on request this weekend.
s/v Yoohoo

VA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – SOUTH BRANCH OF THE ELIZABETH RIVER TO THE ALBERMARLE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL
Mariners are advised that the S168 Lift Bridge (Great Bridge), at AIWW mile 12.0, across the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, at Chesapeake VA, will be closed to vessels from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009, to accommodate the Jaycees’ Christmas Parade event. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(g). To avoid delays, mariners are advised to plan their trips accordingly.

I received the following query on 9/30/09:

Hi,
I think I read that the Hospital Point anchorage had been dredged, or at least was deeper now than previously. Any validity to that info?
Thanks,
Ray
m/v Crackerjack

I then contacted Captain Allan DeWall, a long time contributor to the Cruisers’ Net, who lives in the Norfolk, VA region. Captain Allan was good enough to supply the following info!

Claiborne,
I pulled up this proposal for dredging the Norfolk Harbor Channel from the U.S. Army Engineer District, Norfolk, web page (http://www.norfolkdredgingeis.com/ProjectDescription.aspx) – the added notation on the figure for the location of the Hospital Point Anchorage.
I then called the Tidewater Marina (757-393-2525/888-390-0080) which is located on the south side of the anchorage and asked about any dredging. The woman answering told me that no dredging has occurred in the Hospital Point Anchorage and she was not aware of any plans to do so.
Hope this helps!
Allan DeWall
S/V Cat Rageous

Captain Allan went on to say, in a telephone conversation, that he anchors in these waters all the time with his 4-foot draft, and does not encounter any difficulty. However, he also allowed that a vessel with a 6-foot draft might be a different matter entirely.

We anchored at Hospital Point on 9-24-09 and found 6.5′ at low tide at a locaton well away from the red channel marker. A very comfortable spot.
Earl Goodwin
S/V GETAWAY

I just spoke with friends who passed through the Norfolk/Portsmouth area earlier this summer. They were able to anchor off Hospital Point (waiting for lat/long) despite drawing almost 7′. It’s my understanding that, in fact, they still had 2′ under the keel. We’ll be in the area in a few days and will report first hand on how we fare with 6′ of draft.
Rick Emerson

There is deep water closer to the point and, no surprise, closer to the channel. We could have anchored in anything from 10′ to more than 20′ with no difficulty. We opted to spend the night at Waterside, based on the forecast strong winds from the NE.
Rick Emerson

Subject: Transient Dockage
Cruising News: Transient dockage available at 4 Norfolk marinas – Bay Point, Little Creek, Vinings Landing & Willoughby Harbor Mairnas. $2/ft/night – 25% off Boat US, Sea Tow or Marina Life membership card. Weekly & Monthly rates also available. Visit littlecreekmarina.com / viningslanding.com / willoughbyharbormarina.com for more info. Airport, rental cars, grocery, restaurants and more are all within 10 mins from marinas at the most.

Little Creek & Bay Point Marinas – 757.362.3600
Vinings Landing Marina – 757.587.8000
Willoughby Harbor Marina – 757.583.4130

If you stay with us for a day or a month you can received $1.00/ft/night at Skull Creek Marina (Hilton Head, SC) and receive access to the local country club, restaurant, pool & more. Ask for more details when you stay with us in Norfolk…
We look forward to seeing you whether your vessel is 20′ or 100′.
Brian

It is however worth a small 2 mile trip to Great Bridge Lock if you want easy access to grocery and other large stores. There is a free dock there which supposedly is limited to 24 hours but I stayed for 3 days without anyone objecting. No water, power or fuel however.
Arnold Parkinson

The old Jordan Bridge (thank heavens) is being demolished quite quickly and will be replaced by a high span bridge maybe by end 2010. Going south, immediately after the bridge on the east side is a 100 ft free dock in 7ft water adjacent to a small public park with boat ramp. Porta Potty toilets but no water, power or fuel. A nice little place for a couple of days. Friendly locals catching crabs or you can just sit under cover for a picnic. Shops and an excellent hardware store are within walking distance in Beverly – you need a bike at least to get to a full size grocery store (both Farm Fresh and Food Lion). Opposite the dock is a 100ft steel island general cargo ship – built over the last 10 years by one man who lives aboard! Amazing what people can do given the motivation……..
Arnold Parkinson

Subject: Great Mechanic in Reedville, VA
Cruising News: We recently had to stop in Reedville, VA to have some work done on our generator. We found a great mechanic (Elmer Pittman at Pittman Marine Diesel). He came to our boat the same day we called, removed the starter on our generator, sent it out to be rebuilt and had us ready to go two days later. We had expected to be laid up for at least a week waiting on parts. You just don\\\’t find service like this! And he is very reasonably priced
Walter Smith

Subject: shoaling
Cruising News: There is shoaling at the anchorage at the Pungo Ferry Bridge spot just north of the bridge across from the old closed marina. This would be the anchorage to the right of the bridge as you are facing south.
Sami and Barry
s/v Ever After

VA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AIWW) – ELIZABETH RIVER (SOUTHERN BRANCH) TO THE ALBERMARLE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL
Mariners are advised fender system repairs will be performed at the Gilmerton (US 13/460) Lift Bridge across the Elizabeth River (Southern Branch), at AIWW mile 5.8, in Chesapeake, VA The repairs will restrict the operation of the draw span on the following dates and times: Closed-to-navigation, each day from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., on October 2 to October 5, 2009; on October 5 to October 8, 2009; and on October 9 to October 12, 2009, except vessel openings will be provided with at least two hours notice given to the bridge operator at (757) 545-1512 or via marine radio on Channel 13. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(d). Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.

Divers are setting fenders along the bridge; the bridge tender will tell vessels to keep to one side or the other, avoid the construction operations, when passing under the bridge.
Rick Emerson

The discussion below is copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) List. For those looking to find reasonably priced marinas in or near Norfolk, VA, this is invaluable data.

Looking for a reasonably priced marina in the Norfolk VA. area to leave our boat for a week with good access to rental car.
Thanks
Ray and Linda Corrette

Ray & Linda
You could try the city Marina in Hampton VA enterprise has an office on site we stayed there on our way north. Price was very good as I remember
Larry & Margie Ross

If you can leave boath there for a week the Hampton City Marina will be hard to beat in that area. If not we have found Ocean Marine in Portsmith to be one of the better priced especially with Boat US. May be some better simply for leaving a boat however.
Howard H Cole
aboard the C Horse

We stayed at Salt Ponds Marina in Norfolk, excellent price, very sheltered, and a nice overall place.
Joe

Salt Ponds Marina is in Hampton rather than Norfolk. It is quite protected for leaving a boat, but no close car rental agencies. There are several Enterprise offices in Hampton and one of them might be able to pick you up there.
Bev MacMahon

i just got in Portsmouth Boating Center, dockage is $1.25 a ft per day which is pretty good…
Friendly folks and usually cheapest fuel in the area too…
Pascal

Subject: New Restaurant
Cruising News: While at Atlantic Yacht Basin you have a new restaurant available. Chili’s has very recently opened. Also, Farm Fresh Grocery and a
restaurant called Court House Cafe will come and get you and brind you back.
Capt Dave
on board At Last, GB46

Subject: Grerat Bridge Park
Cruising News: The recreation facility and park just south of the Great Bridge Bridge is now having the land cleared in preparation for construction. Docks still in place but no one is using them as of 8/29/09
David Jenkins

We have stayed at Tidewater three times and enjoyed it. Very well run marina. And to visit Norfolk, the ferry stop is just a short walk away.
James Lea

The lock at Great Bridge, VA is the only lock on the so-called, North Carolina – Virginia Route of the AICW. Of course, this is what I would term the “primarly” passage that most cruisers use to pass between Virginia and North Carolina waters, or the other way around. Of course, the other possible passage is by way of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route.
I am no expert on the Great Bridge lock, but my memory is that it’s larger than the two Dismal Swamp Canal locks, and it only raises or lowers your craft a few feet. It also operates far more frequently than its Dismal Swamp counterpart.
Below, once again, Captain Arnold give us all some great advice on where to find some seriously cheap dockage near Great Bridge!

Since you cover the Dismal Swamp you presumably mention the Great Bridge Lock on the shorter route. There also is a great free docking in the approach between lock and bridge on the south side (going south) which they say is limited to 24hrs but nobody objects if you stay longer. Many shops / groceries are within easy walking distance and the Farm Fresh grocery store manager will run you back to the dock. The Veteran Club there will give you fresh veggies from their vegetable garden if you gratiously make a small donation for the kids they support.
Arnold

I agree with Arnold – the dock between the lock and the bridge is great (no pun intended). Just a few of notes: 1) Make sure you pull as far forward as possible when you dock. It can get busy here, 2) If you plan on only stopping for a few hours, remember that the Great Bridge Bascule Bridge stops opening at 7pm, 3) Expect wake from barges and tugs passing very close, and 4) There is no power to hook up to. Outside of that, there is plenty of shopping, including a grocery, within walking distance. If you continue past the bridge (when going southbound/eastbound), there is another free dock on the north side of the ICW. It’s not in as good shape, but you won’t get stuck with the opening. Also, it adds about another 1/4 mile to your shopping walk since you have to cross the bridge on foot to get to the shopping areas. If you’ve done an overnight run down the Chesapeake from Annapolis, like we did in the freezing cold of December, these free docks are a wonderful spot to stop at for the night.
Chris
S/V Pelican