VDOT awards $409,700 to City of Waynesboro for Safe Routes to School Program
The City of Waynesboro has received a $409,700 Safe Routes To School grant to make safety improvements near four schools.
The Safe Routes To School initiative is a federally funded program administrated by the Virginia Department of Transportation. It will provide the City of Waynesboro with funding for a total of eight infrastructure projects to construct sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, walking paths, pedestrian lights, and traffic calming devices near Westwood Hills Elementary School, William Perry Elementary School, Wenonah Elementary School, and Kate Collins Middle School. Engineering for these projects should begin in fall 2012. Construction of these projects should start in 2013. Continue reading “VDOT awards $409,700 to City of Waynesboro for Safe Routes to School Program” »
McDonnell announces support and funding for Safe Routes to School
Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced the Virginia Department of Transportation awarded $5.9 million in Safe Routes to School funding to 18 communities across the Commonwealth for the 2012 SRTS grant cycle.
The funds will be used for projects that will make bicycling and walking to school safer and more appealing for students at 28 elementary and middle schools. Continue reading “McDonnell announces support and funding for Safe Routes to School” »
VDOT road-work schedule
The following is a list of highway work that might affect traffic in the Staunton transportation district during the coming weeks.
Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. Also, when traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures. Continue reading “VDOT road-work schedule” »
VDOT work schedule: Feb. 13-17
The following is a list of highway work that might affect traffic in the Staunton Transportation District during the coming weeks.
Work scheduled is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. Also, when traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures. Continue reading “VDOT work schedule: Feb. 13-17” »
New traffic signals at I-81 Exit 235 ramps
The Virginia Department of Transportation has installed new traffic signals on Route 256 at the Interstate 81 exit 235 northbound and southbound ramps. This location is in the Weyers Cave and Blue Ridge Community College area in Augusta County.
The new signals will go into flash mode on Thursday, Feb. 9 and then into full operational mode on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Motorists should be aware of this new traffic pattern change and drive with caution in this area.
All work is weather permitting.
VDOT solicits private-sector aid on development of advanced transportation-management systems
The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking information from the private sector to develop and implement a procurement strategy for the operations and maintenance of five Transportation Operations Centers (TOC), related field communications and Intelligent Transportation System infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
VDOT’s goal is to increase TOC interoperability and efficiency, as well as emphasize a performance driven approach for TOC operations.
In coordination with the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnerships, VDOT released a Request For Information (RFI) on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, seeking information and suggestions from the private sector to assist in the development of a formal procurement initiative. Continue reading “VDOT solicits private-sector aid on development of advanced transportation-management systems” »
McDonnell: More than $2B in road, bridge contracts advertised in 2011
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced on Wednesday that the Virginia Department of Transportation advertised more than $2 billion worth of construction and maintenance contracts during 2011.
Contracts include repaving, bridge repairs and replacements, intersection and safety improvements and road widenings among several other transportation projects across the state.
“I tasked VDOT to push projects out the door and accelerate project delivery to get Virginia moving and out of gridlock,” McDonnell said. “VDOT and the construction industry moved aggressively to maximize their financial and labor resources, resulting in significant progress to make Virginia’s roads and bridges safer and better to travel on, in addition to creating jobs and stimulating the economy.” Continue reading “McDonnell: More than $2B in road, bridge contracts advertised in 2011” »
Administration pushes state roads projects through design-build
Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced that the Virginia Department of Transportation is using design-build procurement methods to accelerate the delivery of several projects made possible through the governor’s transportation funding package which was adopted by the 2011 General Assembly, and other federal dollars.
The design-build procurement method streamlines project delivery by placing responsibility for the design and construction of a project on a single entity. The design-build team constructs the project while design is still under way, greatly reducing the overall time necessary for completion of the project.
The design-build procurement method enables VDOT to award contracts quicker, thereby expediting the construction process. Design-build contracts, ultimately, result in faster delivery of projects and cost savings to the commonwealth.
“We are dedicated to maximizing every dollar of the transportation funding package and other federal funds to create jobs and develop projects that continue to improve Virginia’s transportation infrastructure,” said Governor McDonnell. “For too long, Virginians have endured traffic snarls and transportation delays. By using design-build to speed our nearly $4 billion transportation investment to construction, Virginians will be able to experience transportation relief faster and we will create transportation industry jobs during this difficult economy.”
The following design-build projects have been or will be released before December 2011:
· Route 29 Western Bypass: This project is in the Culpeper District and will build a new 6.2-mile, four-lane, limited-access roadway stretching from Route 29 just north of the South Fork Rivanna River to the Route 29/250 Bypass. The project includes interchanges at both termini to move traffic between Route 29 north and Route 29/250 west of Charlottesville. This project was advertised on Sept. 27, 2011, and has an estimated value of $244.5 million.
· Interstate 581/Valley View Interchange Phase II: This project is in the Salem District and includes the design and construction and overall project management at the interchange of Valley View Boulevard and Interstate 581 in the city of Roanoke. This project was advertised on Oct. 11, 2011, and has an estimated value of $63.9 million.
· Interstate 66 Active Traffic Management: This project is in the Northern Virginia District and is designed to improve traffic operations along a 32-mile segment of I-66 from the District of Columbia and Virginia border in Arlington to U.S. 29 (Lee Highway) in Gainesville. This project was advertised on Oct. 25, 2011, and has an estimated value of $33.8 million.
· Interstate 64 Exit 91 Interchange Improvements: The project is in the Staunton District and is located at the Interstate 64 Exit 91 interchange with Route 285 (Tinkling Spring Road) in Augusta County and includes interstates and bridge improvements. This project was advertised on Nov. 3, 2011, and has an estimated value of $43.7 million.
· Interstate 64 Zion Crossroads Interchange Improvement: This project is in the Culpeper District and will improve the I-64 interchange on Route 15 at Zion Crossroads (Exit 136) in Louisa County. The project intends to increase the capacity of the I-64 off-ramps at the Route 15 interchange, improving safety and relieving congestion. This project is scheduled to be advertised in Dec. 2011, and has an estimated value of $8.8 million.
VDOT is working to release the following design-build projects in 2012:
· Interstate 66 Widening to Route 15: This project is in the Northern Virginia District and is valued at $78.1 million.
· Interstate 64 Widening and Improvements to Route 623 Interchange: This project is in the Richmond District and is valued at $35.8 million.
· Interstate 395 HOV Ramp at Seminary Road: This project is in the Northern Virginia District and is valued at $80 million.
· Virginia Capital Trail Charles City County and New Market Heights Trail: This project is in the Richmond District and is valued at $11.9 million.
· Route 5 Virginia Capital Trail Varina Phase: This project is in the Richmond District and is valued at $9.5 million.
For more information on design-build projects, visit
http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/business/design-build.asp
VDOT awards contract for improvements to 511
The Virginia Department of Transportation on Wednesday took steps toward the next generation 511 Virginia traffic and travel information system when it awarded a five-year contract to Iteris, Inc. for the design, development and operation of a new enhanced phone and web-based 511 system. 511 Virginia provides free real-time information about road conditions, construction delays and other incidents to the traveling public.
The new contract also calls for Iteris to establish sponsorships for VDOT assets associated with 511 Virginia, including 511 road signs, traffic video feeds and website. Over the term of the five-year contract this sponsorship is projected to generate approximately $10 million in revenue, which is expected to offset the cost of operating the 511 Virginia system to Virginia taxpayers.
“To improve our transportation infrastructure and provide real-time traffic information, we must continue to explore non-traditional funding sources,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell. “The 511 Virginia system includes valuable assets that offer opportunities for private-sector sponsorship, and we intend to take full advantage of that to offset operating costs of about $2.1 million annually.”
The new system will be implemented during the next six months and will include a number of new features and enhancements to the current system in place since 2008:
· Improved voice recognition software to enable better communications using the latest technology
· Easy-to-use menu with more functionality to enable quicker access to desired traffic information
· New features that use email alerts to deliver personalized, real-time traffic information on roads of interest
· Mobile solutions to include apps for iPhone, and Droid
· Enhanced, more robust 511 Virginia website
“These enhancements will improve the user experience whether visiting the 511 Virginia website or by responsibly using the 511 phone service,” McDonnell said. “The traffic information provided by 511 Virginia is real-time, accurate and perhaps best of all, free. It’s one more tool available to help drivers learn the latest road conditions on their specific route and make adjustments to best avoid congestion.”
Since its inception in 2002, 511 Virginia has received more than 11 million calls and 8 million website visits.
The 511 Virginia service typically receives 200,000 calls each month. The system can be accessed by calling 511 from any land line or cell phone in Virginia or visiting
VDOT issues request for proposals for Route 29 bypass
The Virginia Department of Transportation today advertised a Request for Proposals for the Route 29 Western Bypass in Albemarle County. VDOT is seeking proposals to build the new road using its Design-Build project development process.
The Western Bypass project will build a new 6.2-mile, four-lane, limited-access roadway stretching from Route 29 just north of the South Fork Rivanna River to the Route 29/250 Bypass. The project includes interchanges at both termini to move traffic between Route 29 north and Route 29/250 west of Charlottesville.
Under the terms of the RFP the successful bidder will be responsible for final design and construction of the road.
Traffic using the Bypass will avoid 13 traffic signals along the Route 29 corridor north of Charlottesville. The new road will also provide an alternate route for motorists heading to the University of Virginia’s Grounds via Leonard Sandridge Road, which will be connected to the Bypass by an interchange at its southern terminus.
“The issuance of the Request for Proposals for construction of the Western Bypass project is an important step in advancing this project,” said Commissioner of Highways Gregory A. Whirley. “The Western Bypass will improve efficiency and safety along the Route 29 corridor and will also provide an alternate route for regional traffic.”
Proposals for the Western Bypass project are due at 4 p.m. EST, April 17, 2012. Information about the RFP can be found at:
www.virginiadot.org/business/request-for-proposals.asp.
Quake! Virginia hit by 5.8 magnitude temblor
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake with an epicenter near Mineral in Louisa County was reported on Tuesday, causing tremors as far away as New York, Ohio, and the Carolinas.
According to Dr. Alton Dooley, associate curator of paleontology at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, this was one of the largest earthquakes in Virginia’s recorded history, although seismic events in the area are not uncommon.
According to Dooley, the epicenter of this earthquake occurred in the Central Virginia Seismic Zone, an area active in seismic activity.
“The Central Virginia Seismic Zone is located throughout Virginia’s Piedmont region,” Dooley said. “Most of the faults were originally formed either during continental collisions that formed the Appalachian Mountains around 300 million years ago, or during the rifting that formed the Atlantic Ocean starting around 220 million years ago. While those events are in the distant past, the faults formed during those events are still present and rocks still occasionally move along those faults, causing earthquakes.”
At 5.8 in magnitude, today’s earthquake was one of the largest in Virginia’s recorded history, with the previously largest earthquake in Virginia’s history taking place in 1897 in Giles County and also measuring 5.8 in magnitude.
“This earthquake was more than 10 times stronger than the 2003 earthquake that was felt by many residents of Martinsville, Virginia,” Dooley said. “But even though this was a large earthquake for Virginia, it was small compared to earthquakes that occur in more seismically active zones. For example, the recent earthquake of the coast of Japan that caused extensive damage and a tsunami was more than 1000 times more powerful than today’s earthquake.”
The Virginia Museum of Natural History has a variety of educational programs for all ages that highlight Virginia’s diverse natural history, including geological studies.
“Today’s earthquake in Virginia presents a unique educational opportunity,” said Christy Deatherage, VMNH museum education coordinator. “As the natural history museum for the entire Commonwealth, the museum is a valuable resource for individuals throughout Virginia and beyond to learn about this and other natural events.”
VDOT assessing potential damage
The Virginia Department of Transportation today dispatched inspection teams to bridges and tunnels across the state soon after the 5.9 magnitude earthquake to assess any potential damage. Currently, no damage has been confirmed to bridges, tunnels or roads. Inspections are expected to continue for 24 hours.
All four tunnels in the Hampton Roads area (Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, Downtown Tunnel and Midtown Tunnel), as well as Virginia’s two mountain tunnels on Interstate 77 have been inspected with no sign of damage.
VDOT’s Culpeper and Fredericksburg Districts did report some minor damage to buildings.
VDOT’s bridges are designed in accordance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) standards, including earthquake loads for this region of the country. The agency conducts between 11,000 and 12,000 bridge inspection each year. VDOT has more than 100 staff dedicated to bridge inspections.
VDOT to hold public hearing on Rockingham bridge replacement
The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing concerning improvements to Route 727 (Airport Road) in Rockingham County. The meeting will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, in the Lecture Room at Turner Ashby High School located at 800 N. Main St., Bridgewater.
Citizens can come in during the meeting hours and discuss the project on a one-on-one basis with VDOT officials and designers. Written comments can be submitted at the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting date to Mr. Michael Fulcher, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029. Oral comments can be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter
The project is located on Route 727 (Airport Road) between Route 11 and Route 696, near Mount Crawford and Bridgewater in Rockingham County.
The purpose of this project is to replace the existing bridge over North River and realign Route 727 (Airport Road). The existing bridge, built in 1961, is a single lane, two-span truss structure. The bridge is 15-feet wide and 211-feet long. The eastern approach intersects with Route 11. The paved roadway leading up to the western side of the bridge is approximately 18-feet wide. Approaching the bridge from the west, there are three substandard curves.
The existing bridge will be replaced with a new, two-lane structure in approximately the same location. The proposed bridge will be 40-feet wide and 235-feet long featuring two, 12-foot travel lanes. Of the eight-foot wide shoulders, four-feet will be paved. The road will have a 50-mile-per-hour design speed. This will be achieved by removing three of the substandard curves and realigning Route 727. The hill on the road will have 30 mile-per-hour design speed.
The road currently carries 1,592 vehicles per day. This number is projected to increase to 2,172 vehicles per day by 2035.
The total estimated cost for this project is $ 4,334,857 which includes $458,759 for preliminary engineering, $310,942 for right of way and $3,565,156 for construction. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2013.
