Surprise snow: Whose fault is it when response is slow?

Chris Graham

The Shenandoah Valley was surprised by a snowstorm that wasn’t forecast until it was already under way. It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that local authorities were slow to respond when the flakes did start to fall, and why a relatively small storm – leaving at most a couple of inches of snow on the ground in most locations – ended up being such an issue.

Work to begin on Interstate 64 upgrades in the Shenandoah Valley

Chris Graham

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced last week that VDOT is moving forward with technology upgrades designed to improve safety and traffic flow on Interstate 64 over Afton Mountain. The Commonwealth Transportation Board recently awarded a $4.6 million contract to G4S Technology of Springfield to design and build an Active Traffic and Safety Management System.

Speed limit to increase on stretch of I-64 in Albemarle County

Chris Graham

The speed limit on a 12-mile section of Interstate 64 in western Albemarle County will increase from 65 to 70 miles per hour on Thursday, Dec. 19. The new speed zone will run from just east of the Greenwood Station Road overpass (Route 690) at milepost 106.1 to just west of the Route 29 interchange at milepost 117.7.

Public hearing on improvements to Route 610 in Augusta County scheduled

Chris Graham

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing concerning proposed improvements to Route 610 (Howardsville Turnpike) in Augusta County. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, 10 Manor Road, Stuarts Draft, Va. 24477.

McDonnell: Virginia preparing for possible significant ice storm

Chris Graham

Gov. Bob McDonnell today encouraged Virginians to prepare for a potentially disruptive early-season ice storm that will affect the Commonwealth this Sunday. While exact impacts are still somewhat uncertain, Virginians should make preparations now for possible power outages, that could be lengthy if large amounts of ice accumulate.

McDonnell announces major step forward in widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News

Chris Graham

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today a significant development to ease congestion and increase safety on I-64 in the Hampton Roads and Richmond regions. The Federal Highway Administration has signed the Final Environmental Impact Statement, which supports the future widening of 75 miles of I-64 from I-95 in Richmond to I-664 in Hampton.