Happy New Year!

All major projects have their challenges and for The Tide, 2009 will be remembered as a period of intense change, growth and great promise.

Milestones abounded on this, the largest public works project in Norfolk’s history. Construction work reached the half way point, while HRT accepted delivery of the first rail vehicles that will soon roll along miles of new track. Workers began assembling the overhead power system that will help redefine work and play in downtown Norfolk. HRT also initiated a joint study with the City of Virginia Beach, to consider the system's first regional extension of the light rail project.

With this tremendous growth, HRT has also faced multiple challenges. The Tide will cost more and take longer to complete than initially anticipated. Despite these challenges, HRT’s commitment to provide first class transit services remains strong. 2010 will be a year of vibrancy for HRT. Major street construction will be completed and when the first passengers board The Tide next year, it will usher in a new era in public transit for the Hampton Roads region.

In the coming months, you will see this publication evolve from an update on construction to a newsletter format. We will continue to provide updates on construction of The Tide, but will also address questions and issues that are of interest to you…the reader and future passenger. We encourage you to let us know if there are topics that you would like to see discussed and ask that you keep in touch with us info@ridethetide.com as we prepare for the start of light rail in Norfolk.

2009 was packed full of light rail construction milestones in Downtown Norfolk. It was a year highlighted by the substantial completion of private utility relocations, demolition of the Kirn Library and former Baylor buildings. As we look forward, we see that in many ways, 2010 will be far more... learn more