Whirley named new VDOT commissioner

Chris Graham

Edited by Chris Graham [email protected]   Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today the appointment of Gregory Whirley as the new commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Whirley had been serving as acting commissioner under McDonnell since January. A VDOT veteran, Whirley also served as acting commissioner of the department in 2005 and had served as…

Va. 907 bridge closed by VDOT

Chris Graham

   Staff Report News tips: [email protected] The Virginia Department of Transportation has closed the bridge over Christians Creek on Va. 907 in Augusta County. This location is just off Va. 612. Keith Weakley, the VDOT Staunton District bridge engineer, said that it appears that a vehicle struck the bridge causing extensive damage. A sign is…

VDOT invites public comment on I-81 rail study

Chris Graham

   Staff Report News Tips: [email protected] The draft report of Virginia’s Interstate 81 Freight Rail Study was issued today for public comment by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation. DRPT, in cooperation with the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, was directed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board…

VDOT sends out layoff notices

Chris Graham

678 jettisoned as department addresses $4.6B shortfall Staff Report News tips: [email protected] The Virginia Department of Transportation today began issuing 678 layoff notifications in its final round of position eliminations. The staffing reductions are a portion of a three-part plan, called the Blueprint for the Future, addressing a six-year $4.6 billion transportation revenue shortfall and…

VDOT continues clearing work

Chris Graham

Interstates and primaries in decent shape; secondaries not so much Staff Report News Tips: [email protected] The Virginia Department of Transportation is reporting this morning that most interstate and primary roads are passable and in minor to moderate condition in the Shenandoah Valley. Motorists should drive with caution as icy patches may exist in areas.

VDOT: Drive with caution Monday morning

Chris Graham

Black ice, frozen slush will cause havoc Staff Report News Tips: [email protected] The Virginia Department of Transportation advises motorists to drive with extra caution tonight and into the morning. Temperatures are expected to drop this evening, creating potential for wet roads to refreeze or black ice to develop. People who are driving are urged to…

VDOT public hearing on Va. 640 improvements

Chris Graham

Staff Report The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing concerning improvements to Route 640 (Goose Creek Road) in the Fishersville region of Augusta County. The meeting will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 16 at the Preston L. Yancy Volunteer Fire Department located at 2015 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, Va….

Bridge repairs on VDOT project list

Chris Graham

At its October meeting, the Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded regional bridge contracts which include repairs to 21 bridge structures in the Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton District. The award is part of the commonwealth’s continued efforts to invest nearly $695 million in highway funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The repairs in the…