Showing posts with label Traffic camera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traffic camera. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Safety Improvements for I-77 in Fancy Gap

English: Former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe spea...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
New technology to help reduce accidents and save lives
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will soon begin to build a system of electronic signs, cameras and other technology that will improve safety on I-77 in the Fancy Gap area of Carroll County. 
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) awarded a $7.5 million contract to G4S Technology, Inc. from Springfield, to design and build an Active Traffic and Safety Management System (ATSMS) for a 12-mile segment of I-77, a mountainous section in Fancy Gap.
 “VDOT is using technology to save lives on a section of I-77 that has a higher than average traffic crash rate related to fog or wind,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “This project will help drivers reach their destination safely by keeping them informed of road and weather conditions.  The use of technology in transportation today is improving the safety and efficiency of our transportation network.”
The I-77 Fancy Gap ATSMS includes numerous improvements:
  • Infrastructure to support the establishment of variable speed limits based on weather and traffic conditions
  • A network of electronic message boards to keep drivers informed of changing traffic and weather conditions
  • Additional traffic cameras that will allow complete surveillance of the corridor by VDOT’s traffic operations center, which provides real-time information to drivers through the 511 Virginia system
  • Additional detection stations to enhance weather monitoring capabilities
Work on the project is expected to begin this spring with construction completed in summer 2015.  VDOT has contracted with American Electric Power to complete the electrical infrastructure needed for these improvements.
Keeping drivers informed of road and weather conditions is a key component of the ATSMS project. Dynamic Message Signs will communicate information received by the operations center from the visibility detection sensors, traffic cameras and traffic detection sensors. All of these systems aggregate atmospheric and roadway surface condition information as well as traffic speed and volumes.  VDOT will be responsible for operating and maintaining the system.
Throughout Virginia VDOT is improving corridor operations with similar ATSMS projects. Other projects are in northern Virginia on I-66 and on I-64 along Afton Mountain.
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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Virginia Residents Should Be Ready for Winter Storms

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Richmond, Va. – With the first major snow storm of the winter season affecting most of Virginia today, residents are reminded to take safety precautions and to avoid unnecessary travel

“I urge every Virginian to make proper preparations as this storm moves in and brings snow, potentially life-threatening low temperatures and high winds,” said Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.  “Unfortunately, injuries and even deaths from hypothermia, heart attack, stroke and traffic crashes are all too common during the winter storms of this type.  Don’t travel unnecessarily, and be prepared to stay where you are until conditions improve.”

Important winter safety tips include:

·         Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects.  Never leave space heaters unattended. 
·         In case of power outages, use flashlights instead of candles for light.
·         Charge mobile devices.
·         Use generators only outdoors and only in well ventilated areas.  Follow manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
·         Bring pets inside, and make sure outdoor animals have adequate shelter, unfrozen water and food.
·         Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32° F.  If the road is wet, patches of ice are possible, especially on bridges and curves.  Avoid using cruise control in winter weather conditions.
·         Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and snowplows.  Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader.
·         Motorists who must travel should check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before traveling at www.511Virginia.org or by calling 511 or using the free 511 mobile app.
·         If your household includes someone with special needs (has a disability, requires electricity to operate home medical equipment, needs to go to dialysis, etc.), call your local emergency manager to let them know where you live and what you will need during an emergency. 

Drivers should keep an emergency winter kit in vehicles.  Include bottles of water and granola bars or other non-perishable food; bags of sand or cat litter to provide traction under tires; hats, gloves and blankets; and cell phone chargers. 

Prepare at home with emergency supplies that include three days’ food and water; a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries to hear local information if the power is out; a first aid kit and necessary medications; blankets and warm clothing, supplies for special members of your household, and pet items.

Before, during and after a winter storm, listen for up-to-date information from local media and emergency officials.  Local media will give instructions from local, state and federal agencies that cover road conditions, winter storm watches and warnings, power outages and health information.

For more on preparing for winter weather in Virginia, visitwww.ReadyVirginia.gov.
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