Virginia Beach Prepares for Heavy Crowds at Oceanfront

​The City of Virginia Beach is preparing for larger-than-usual crowds April 8-10 by implementing a comprehensive plan that will maintain safety and quality of life for residents and visitors alike during this weekend's permitted, planned events and recent social media-driven college spring break activity.

"Virginia Beach is no stranger to visitors to our community – we welcome millions of guests every year who come to enjoy our beautiful beaches, great amenities, and the hospitable residents who make Virginia Beach an inviting place to visit," said Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick Duhaney. "At the same time, we ask that all parties respect each other, their property, and the laws we all follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for guests and residents alike."

In an effort to maintain the safety of our guests and residents, the City is implementing a series of enhanced measures to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time.

TRAFFIC

In anticipation of heavy traffic, and to accommodate the larger-than-normal crowds entering the resort area this weekend, traffic on I-264 eastbound may be diverted at Parks Avenue and redirected westbound on I-264 as early as 7 p.m. on Friday, April 8; 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 9; and 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, until traffic, is flowing safely. If a traffic diversion is necessary, the eastbound exit for South Birdneck Road and the westbound exit for First Colonial Road would be closed. Other indirect routes into the resort area would remain open. Residents who live in the oceanfront area are advised to plan trips early and avoid the interstate.

FOR THE WEEKEND

In addition to a robust traffic management plan, the City will have the following measures in place to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone in the oceanfront area this weekend:

• Live entertainment at 17th and 24th Street stages from 7-10 p.m.
• Portable restrooms every block between 16th and 24th streets by beach access points off the Boardwalk
• The Resort Ambassador program will have increased staffing to answer questions
• Signage in place for businesses and the Boardwalk area
• Public announcements for safety on the Boardwalk via speakers
• A Student Outreach Center will be open to engage with local and visiting students (2015 Atlantic Ave. inside Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront)
• Public parking lots will be open – please note that the Atlantic Avenue on-street parking program has ended for the season
• Beach Operations will sweep the beach daily at 4 a.m.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The City welcomes and encourages everyone to have a safe, fun time in Virginia Beach. Activities such as public consumption of alcohol, use or sale of drugs, destruction of property, assault, and indecent exposure are prohibited. The Virginia Beach Police Department is committed to deescalating tense situations and seeking voluntary compliance for most infractions; however, individuals may be arrested if a given situation presents a danger to the public.

FOR OUR RESIDENTS

The City has engaged local businesses and stakeholders in addition to promoters and colleges to plan for, prepare, and educate all parties about what the City will be doing to safely manage the crowds. Further, residents and visitors can expect the following throughout the weekend:

• A strong presence from VBPD and camera monitoring throughout the oceanfront
• Traffic Operations will work to minimize the impacts of traffic in residential neighborhoods
• City crews will work to quickly empty trash receptacles and clean up the area
• Public safety will maintain access for emergency services (Police, Fire, EMS) to reach all neighborhoods and the oceanfront area

For updates from the City, please monitor the following:

• Twitter.com/CityofVaBeach (use the hashtag #CBW22)
• Facebook.com/CityofVaBeach
• Nextdoor.com
• VBTV (Ch. 46)
• Sign Up for Text Alerts: Text SPRING22 to 67283

Residents, business owners, and visitors are invited to provide feedback during and after the weekend using the PublicInput.com platform: www.publicinput.com/cbw22.

To learn more, please visit VBgov.com/CBW22.

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