Showing posts with label Commonwealth Transportation Board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Commonwealth Transportation Board. 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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Monday, January 27, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

English: , President of the
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Judy Napier, Commissioner
Judy Napier served most recently as Director of Business Development for the information technology firm CGI Group’s Virginia sector.  Before that she served as Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Technology in the administrations of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Judy is a Portsmouth native and graduated from Old Dominion University.


John Malbon, Board Member
John Malbon is the President and CEO of PAPCO Inc., a Virginia Beach Oil Distribution Company that opened the region's first public biodiesel pump in 2006. John is the co-chair of the Envision Virginia Beach 2040 Committee, which focuses on the 30-year future of the city, and serves as the vice chair of the board of directors for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. John is a graduate of James Madison University.

Office of the Governor

Jamie Radice, Communications Director
Jamie Radice served previously as Senior Communications Adviser at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Communications Director to Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Darryl Holt, Special Assistant for Constituent Services
Darryl Holt served previously as an Office Assistant in the Richmond City Department of Social Services. She also served as a Field Representative in the Office of U.S. Senator Jim Webb, and a Special Assistant to the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade under Governor Bob McDonnell.

Virginia Legislative Office
Maribel Ramos, Director
Maribel Ramos served previously as Legislative Assistant to Senator Tim Kaine, where she advised the Senator on policy areas including education, economic development, housing, federal employees and appropriations. Before that she served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Jim Webb, and as a Special Assistant for Policy to then-Governor Tim Kaine. Maribel holds a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth
Denise Burch, Director of Gubernatorial Appointments
Denise Burch previously served as Director of Constituent Services and Scheduling to former two term Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.  Prior to this service, she served as Sen. Bolling’s Legislative Aide in the Virginia Senate.  In 1998, she was appointed as Confidential Assistant to Governor Jim Gilmore. 

Lana Westfall, Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Lana Orme Westfall held the position of Director of Constituent and Legislative Services in both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates for a total of 16 years.  In 2008, she established a government relations and issue advocacy firm, bringing a wide array of experience on issues related to the environment, education and veterans’ affairs.

Secretariat of Education

Jennie Moline O'Holleran, Deputy Secretary
Jennie Moline O’Holleran most recently served as Director of Virginia Relations at the George Washington University, where she worked with government and community leaders to promote GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn. She previously served in Governor Tim Kaine’s policy office. Jennie grew up in Alexandria. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the George Washington University.

Dietra Trent, Deputy Secretary
Dietra Trent served most recently as Deputy State Director in the Office of Senator Mark Warner. She previously served as Deputy Secretary of Education in Governor Tim Kaine’s administration, and as Director of Constituent Services and Director of the Council on Human Rights under Governor Mark Warner. Dr. Trent earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Hampton University, and completed her master’s and doctoral degrees in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Commonwealth University.   

Secretariat of Technology

Anthony W. Fung, Deputy Secretary of Technology
Anthony Fung served previously as CEO of technology consulting firm GovInsight, LLC and as majority owner of Catapult Consultants, LLC, a firm that specializes in financial, acquisition, healthcare and information technology management. Anthony holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Information Science from the University of Pittsburg.

Secretariat of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

John Newby, Deputy Secretary
John Newby previously served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an aviator aboard the Boeing B-1B Lancer strategic bomber and as a special operations forward air controller in support of U.S. Army Special Operations Command.  Following his military service, Newby served as an attorney at private sector law firms and an international defense contractor.  He also served as a member of former Senator Jim Webb’s Service Academy Selection Board.  Newby graduated and received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Adam Thiel, Deputy Secretary
Adam Thiel has served as Fire Chief in the City of Alexandria since 2007. Previous to that, Adam served in a range of key positions at fire departments in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Arizona. In 2002 Governor Mark Warner appointed Adam as the Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs within the Secretariat of Public Safety. Adam holds undergraduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Maryland University College. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from George Mason University.
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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Initial Toll Rates Will Be Cut in Half for the Downtown/Midtown Tunnels Project in Hampton Roads

Terry McAuliffe by David Shankbone, New York City
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Reduced rates take effect when tolling begins Feb. 1
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that initial tolls on the Midtown/Downtown tunnels in Hampton Roads will be lowered by half the level expected, with tolling beginning February 1. Toll rates, overall, will remain lower than what was originally planned for the construction of the $2.1 billion Elizabeth River Tunnels project. Construction includes building a new Midtown Tunnel tube, rehabilitating the existing Midtown and Downtown tunnels and extending the Martin Luther King Boulevard. 
“Lowering tolls on the Midtown/Downtown tunnels project is a significant priority of my administration and I pledged to act on it right away,” said Gov. McAuliffe. “I immediately directed Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne to take the lead on reducing the tolls so they would lessen the financial burden on commuters and businesses who use the tunnels every day. Today, we have a plan in place to bring relief once tolling begins next month. This is a critical project that must be built to reduce congestion, improve safety and propel economic opportunities for the region. But we must execute it in a way that does not threaten business growth in the region or lessen the quality of life for Hampton Roads’ residents and our workforce.”
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) adopted a resolution that reduces the tolls through construction. The revised schedule is below:
·         From Feb. 1 through the end of this year, the off-peak rate for passenger vehicles will be 75-cents, down from $1.59; and the peak-hour toll rate will be $1, down from $1.84. 
·         In 2015, the off-peak toll rate will go up to $1, and the peak-hour rate will be $1.25.
·         In 2016, the off-peak toll rate will be $1.25, and the peak-hour rate will be $1.50.
·         In 2017 or upon substantial completion of the new Midtown Tunnel, the rates will be in accordance with the comprehensive agreement between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC).
·         Tolls for tractor-trailer trucks will be reduced in a similar manner. The off-peak rate will be $2.25 beginning Feb. 1, and the peak-hour rate will be $4.
Transportation Secretary and Chairman of the CTB Aubrey Layne said, “Reducing tolls is a critically important issue for the residents of Hampton Roads and has been my key priority. We’ve taken a hard look at all options and I am pleased that we have come up with a toll revision plan that the Commonwealth can afford, and that makes sense for Hampton Roads during the construction of this project.”
Implementing the toll revision plan will cost the Commonwealth $82.5 million.  This will come from a combination of bonds and other funds that have not been assigned to specific transportation projects.
“VDOT is working closely with ERC to develop this project so it will bring short- and long-term benefits to the region, including faster travel times, reduced congestion and improved safety,” said VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick. “The Norfolk and Portsmouth area will have a better transportation system as a result, supporting jobs and economic opportunities.”
For more information on the project, go to www.driveert.com.
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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Work to Begin on Interstate 64 Upgrades in the Shenandoah Valley

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
New Technology Utilized to Enhance Afton Mountain Safety

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (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 (ATSMS). The project will be located on I-64 between mile markers 94 and 107 through Augusta, Nelson and Albemarle counties.

            “This is a prime example of VDOT using technology to save lives,” said Governor McDonnell.   “This section of the I-64 corridor has a higher than average traffic crash rate related to fog or wind, including several large multivehicle accidents. The ATSMS project will help mitigate frequency and severity of crashes related to adverse weather conditions within the corridor.” 

The I-64 Afton ATSMS includes numerous improvements:

·         A network of Dynamic Message Signs to keep drivers informed of changing traffic and weather conditions.
·         Additional traffic cameras that will allow complete surveillance of the corridor by the Staunton Traffic Operations Center, which provides real-time information to drivers through the 511 Virginia system.
·         Visibility detection sensors to improve the response and performance of the existing fog-light system.
·         Fiber-optics infrastructure that will support future development of variable speed limits based on weather and traffic conditions.

            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 Staunton Traffic 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.

Other key stakeholders in the project will include the Virginia State Police, as well as multiple city and county law enforcement and emergency response agencies that respond to incidents occurring along the corridor.

            By supplementing existing operations technologies on Afton Mountain, TOC operators will have improved traffic incident management and information sharing capabilities. Drivers will have an improved driving and decision making experience to help achieve lower crash rates along this portion of the I-64 corridor, making the road safer for all who use it.

            Throughout Virginia VDOT is improving corridor operations with similar ATSMS projects. Other projects are in Northern Virginia on Interstate 66 and a proposed project on Interstate 77 in Carroll County in Southwest Virginia.

            Construction on the I-64 Afton ATSMS project is scheduled to begin in early 2014, and finish in summer 2015.
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Private Sector Interest to Develop Innovative Solutions for I-66 Corridor in Northern Virginia

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
English: The state seal of Virginia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Nineteen Firms Worldwide Offer Solutions

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that 19 private-sector firms offered recommendations for solutions to improve Interstate 66 in response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the commonwealth in late June. The RFI sought innovative and creative solutions to ease the congested I-66 corridor from Capital Beltway to Route 15 in Haymarket. 

“The RFI is part of the Commonwealth’s plan to transform I-66 from a highly congested corridor to a multi-modal transportation facility that moves traffic and people more efficiently,” said Governor McDonnell.

The RFI was released by the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnership, the Virginia (OTP3) Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).

Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton added, “The Commonwealth has asked for the best and brightest ideas from both the public and private sectors and that resulting synergy will provide the most effective solutions to ease congestion and improve travel on I-66.”

The RFI sought private sector input on a range of best practices and innovative approaches to develop and finance transportation improvements on a 25-mile section of I-66 from U.S. Route 15 in Prince William County to I-495 in Fairfax County. Improvements under consideration could add additional capacity to the road, provide multi-modal options and possibly finance the project through tolled express lanes, similar to the 495 Express Lanes.

Responses to the RFI follow a recent project milestone by the Federal Highway Administration, in which it issued a Record of Decision on the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement study of I-66, clearing the way for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to select one or more of the final 10 concepts for detailed analysis.  These concepts would increase capacity within the corridor, as well as options to increase travel mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs, and enhance travel efficiency.

Early next year, the CTB will consider the RFI responses when advancing the I-66 study to next phase in the environmental review process.

“Collaborative efforts between VDOT’s Environmental Division and the OTP3 to gather and concurrently process information such as traffic projections, geotechnical data, as well as identify other key risk factors will ensure recommendations are provided to decision makers in an expedited timeframe,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. 

The following private sector firms provided responses to the RFI, which are available on line:
1.      1 Abertis USA Corp
2.      Acciona Concessions Canada Inc.
3.      ACS Infrastructure Development and Dragados USA
4.      AECOM
5.      Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation
6.      Cintra and Ferrovial Agroman
7.      Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, Shirley Contracting Company, Clark Construction Group, and Dewberry Consultants
8.      Fluor Enterprises, Inc.
9.      HOCHTIEF and Flatiron
10.  Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. and Kiewit Development Company
11.  Lane Construction Corporation
12.  Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc.
13.  Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation
14.  OHL Infrastructure, Inc.
15.  Shikun & Binui Ltd. (a member of the Arison Group)
16.  Skanska AB
17.  SNC-Lavalin Inc.
18.  Transurban
19.  Vinci Concessions USA

For more information:  
I-66 RFI responses

I-66 Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study

I-66 Project Page
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