Governor McAuliffe Announces New Web Portal to Track Road Projects

VDOT Interchange Exit Direction Sign (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Go to Virginiaroads.org for interactive maps that show latest paving conditions and construction projects across the state

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has launched a new interactive portal, www.Virginiaroads.org, that provides a one-stop information source to VDOT data and projects. The Governor made his announcement while speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Brookings Institution’s Eco-Engineering Forum 2014: The New Eco-System of Information on Harnessing the Potential of Big Data.

An important feature of this new portal are interactive maps showing current and planned road construction projects included in the Six-Year Improvement Program as well as pavement conditions and resurfacing projects. Some of the data  made available through this app is in response to requests by Virginia broadband providers to have greater visibility and earlier notice regarding road construction and repair  projects.  Providing access to this data will facilitate coordination between VDOT and broadband providers seeking to build new infrastructure.

“Virginiaroads.org is a prime example of the type of project I envisioned when we launched our Data.Virginia initiative aimed at using data to make government more transparent,” said Governor McAuliffe. “It’s as simple as clicking on the link, selecting a location and seeing in a glance the status of current and future transportation projects.  The information is easily accessible and open for to the public to see how their taxpayer dollars are being invested to improve Virginia’s road system.”

“A good transportation program depends on VDOT providing clear information that is relevant and available to the public,” stressed Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne.  “Virginiaroads.org turns complex data into knowledge, allowing the public to become more engaged with their transportation program.”  

Virginiaroads.org features a series of interactive maps in a central online location.  One of the maps displays current construction projects, projects in the design phase, projects scheduled to go to construction and future projects. Projects can be searched via project stage, location, route or street name and the project identification number as it is listed in the Six-Year Improvement Program. 

Another map shows pavement conditions, with colors identifying whether a section of pavement is in excellent, good, fair or poor condition.  You can click on a section of pavement to find out more details on resurfacing projects.

VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick added, “You can easily see what is going on where you live or work by zooming in on a county or city, click on the projects for more detail or view the latest pavement conditions and repaving projects.  This tool combines layers of data in one application that the public can use to learn more about transportation projects in their localities.”

Virginiaroads.org has other maps, some of which are interactive, including:

·        511 real-time traffic information

·        Park and ride lots

·        Snow plowing status

·        Virginia toll facilities

·        Major road construction

·        Highway safety corridors

·        Truck routes

·        Scenic roads

·        Bicycling maps

·        Capital trail

·        State map

·        City maps

Future updates to the portal will include bridge locations and conditions, and accident and cash information.

VDOT maintains and operates nearly 58,000 miles of roads and bridges across Virginia, the third largest state maintained highway system in the country, just behind North Carolina and Texas.

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State Agencies Respond to Ongoing Winter Storm

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Virginians urged to stay home due to hazardous road conditions

RICHMOND, Va. – During the latest winter storm to affect the Commonwealth, the Virginia Emergency Operations Center, the Virginia Department of Transportation and other state agencies continue to assist Virginians by processing requests from local governments and matching them with the appropriate state agencies and utilities for response.

“This major winter storm has brought six to 18 inches of wet snow across Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Transportation and many other agencies and private sector partners are doing great work to continue to respond and make sure people are safe” said Governor McAuliffe. “We expect this storm to continue to bring a mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain throughout the evening, and ask we Virginians to keep themselves safe and assist our storm responders by refraining from any unnecessary travel. Many of our roads remain difficult to pass as snow and ice continue to fall, and refraining from traveling helps speed up road clearing operations.”

While most roads are open, more than 950 are in moderate to severe condition, which means they are mostly or partially covered with snow and/or ice.  People should call 511 or go towww.511Virginia.org before traveling.

Throughout the state, there are 1,400 customers without power.  Most power outages are due to fallen tree limbs. 

Here’s a list of current state agency storm response efforts and how they are assisting Virginians:

·         Virginia Department of Transportation crews are conducting road clearing operations, and their goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after a winter storm ends so that people can travel safely.  For example, a VDOT crew member and plow responded to the scene of a Spotsylvania County ambulance stuck in a ditch on Salem Station Boulevard in Spotsylvania County.  The ambulance was on its way to an emergency.  The VDOT plow cleared a path for the ambulance to drive on, while county fire and rescue personnel were able to tow the ambulance from the ditch. VDOT has deployed more than 12,300 pieces of equipment including trucks and plows.

·         More than 200 Virginia National Guard personnel are staged strategically across Virginia to support state and local emergency response.  An additional 50 soldiers, airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force are on duty to provide mission command, administrative and sustainment support for units in the field.  Virginia Guard is staged at readiness centers along the Interstate 81 corridor, in the central Virginia area along Route 29 and Interstates 64 and 95, and areas of Northern Virginia to be ready to support possible response missions. 

·         The Virginia State Police continue to respond to traffic crashes and disabled vehicles resulting from the storm and hazardous road conditions.  All available troopers have worked extended shifts throughout the night and Thursday to help people by responding, investigating and clearing crashes.  VSP has responded to at least 1,000 traffic crashes and more than 900 disabled vehicles across the Commonwealth since 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12.  The majority of crashes involved damage to vehicles and no injuries to people. 

There are a number of potentially life-saving actions that people can take, including:

·         Charge your mobile devices so you can continue to hear information from official sources if the power goes out.

·         Have emergency supplies in your vehicle.  If you are stranded you will need water, food, blankets, a flashlight and extra batteries at a minimum. 

·         Have a battery powered and/or hand-crank radio and extra batteries for emergency information.  Listen to local weather forecasts and instructions from local officials.

·         Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow and cleaning up from the storm, no matter your age or physical condition.  Shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

·         If you need help for an elderly or disabled person during the storm, need information on warming shelters, or are concerned about an unsheltered individual or family, call 211 or visitwww.211virginia.org.  When you call 211, a trained professional will suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in your community and statewide.

·         Get winter weather preparedness information at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and download the new Ready Virginia app for iPhones and Android devices.

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

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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Governor McDonnell Announces Banner Year for Transportation in the Commonwealth

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

More than $2.5 billion worth of projects advertised in 2013

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has advertised an historic amount of transportation projects, more than $2.5 billion worth, in 2013. This includes the estimated cost for engineering, construction and pavement projects, including pavement rehabilitation, across the state. 

“Earlier this year, VDOT made the commitment to advertise more than $2 billion worth of projects this year,” said Governor McDonnell. “I am happy to report they will make good on this promise. More than $2.5 billion of projects have been advertised in calendar year 2013. Our investment in building and maintaining our infrastructure network is of utmost importance to the citizens of Virginia and we are keeping our commitments to them.  The Commonwealth is able to move aggressively ahead on projects because of the bipartisan effort to approve historic transportation funding earlier this year.  Our 2013 transportation bill represents the largest infusion of transportation funding in Virginia more than 25 years and will help create a safe, efficient and reliable transportation system throughout Virginia, while creating thousands of good jobs at the same time, and growing our economy.”

Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton added, “Our citizens will see more crews on the highways working to build and enhance the transportation network they deserve; one that is safe, reliable, and contemporary and that will efficiently move them through the Commonwealth. This historic amount of advertised work is proof that this new and sustainable funding from the transportation bill has enhanced VDOT’s ability to move projects forward and improve the condition of our roads.”

“The funding is being put to work now to improve and rehabilitate aging roads and bridges and to increase capacity, which will enhance safety and ease congestion,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. “VDOT worked diligently to get an incredible amount of projects advertised this year so Virginia’s transportation network can move traffic more efficiently, improving the quality of life for all of us.”

Of the more than $2.5 billion, about $545 million will go toward repaving roads and pavement rehabilitation, making the existing infrastructure safer and better to drive on.  The remainder will go toward increasing capacity and other construction.  The amount also covers engineering, which gets projects ready for construction.  

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Governor McDonnell Opens the New Four-Lane Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake

English: Animation of lift bridge 日本語: 昇開橋の稼働概念 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CHESAPEAKE - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today the opening of the new four-lane Gilmerton Bridge on Military Highway in Chesapeake, one of the most innovative bridge replacement projects in the state.  The new $140 million vertical lift bridge, which replaced the former double-leaf bascule bridge built in 1938, will ease traffic congestion for the 35,000 vehicles that use the bridge daily and provide taller clearance for ships. 

            The governor joined the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with the city of Chesapeake during a ribbon cutting event held on the bridge’s lift span.  The new bridge opens to traffic at 4:00 p.m.

            “The Gilmerton Bridge Project is a perfect example of transportation dollars being put to excellent use to ease congestion, improve safety and accommodate future growth,” said Governor McDonnell. “Transportation projects like this one are a major component to make Hampton Roads a thriving region. Today’s bridge opening  follows a historic year for transportation, with billions of dollars in new funding invested in road and bridge projects across the state.  This investment allows the commonwealth to rehabilitate aging pavements and structures, as well as expand capacity to improve Virginia’s transportation network.”

            Chesapeake Mayor Alan P. Krasnoff added, “The new Gilmerton Bridge is a key transportation link for the citizens of Chesapeake and the entire Hampton Roads region.  Chesapeake thanks VDOT for their swift work on the Gilmerton Bridge, and especially for keeping traffic moving even as a new bridge was taking shape.”

            The new bridge is 1,908 feet long with a vertical clearance of 35 feet in the closed position and up to 135 feet when the lift span is opened.  Key project benefits:

·         Reduce motorist congestion at Gilmerton Bridge and alternate routes

·         Increase clearance to accommodate marine and motorist traffic with fewer bridge openings

·         Increase lane width to improve traffic flow and accommodate future widening of Military Highway

            In January 2013, the project reached a major milestone with the float-in of the 250-foot, 5.2- million-pound, pre-assembled lift span which was transported seven nautical miles via a barge through the Elizabeth River to the Gilmerton Bridge site where final installation and vertical alignment to the bridge towers occurred. The lift span float-in proved to be a seamless operation with project crews working 24/7 shifts to complete this phase of the project in half of the allotted time.

            Project work will continue on the Gilmerton Bridge as crews construct the fender system and other ancillary work.  The Gilmerton Bridge will resume weeknight closures, Sunday through Thursday, beginning Nov. 17, 2013 through March 2014.

            During the weeknight closures, motorists are encouraged to use the Interstate 64 High Rise Bridge as the preferred alternate route. In addition, the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge in Chesapeake can be used as a tolled alternate route.

            General information about the Gilmerton Bridge Replacement Project can be found at www.GilmertonBridge.org.

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Virginia Receives $57.3 Million in ‘Bonus’ Funding to Accelerate Transportation Projects

English: A Volvo articulated bus in contract service for Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, operated by Virginia Overland Transportation, an urban-suburban bus line, in 2003 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Additional funding originally allocated to other states will go toward transportation projects in Virginia

RICHMOND — Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia has received an additional $57.3 million in federal funds for transportation originally allocated to other states.

            The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will use this additional funding for paving projects in each of its nine construction districts: $16.7 million will go toward interstate paving, $25.6 million is designated for paving primary roads and $13.7 million is allocated for paving secondary roads. Additionally, $1.3 million is slated for bridge painting/preventative maintenance. Later this month, VDOT will make its recommendation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, which has final approval on how money is spent on transportation projects.

            “This has been a historic year for transportation funding in Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell. “This 'bonus’ funding, along with the new and sustainable funding from the transportation bill, will enhance VDOT’s ability to move projects forward and continue to improve the condition of our roads. Virginia’s transportation system is vital to both economic opportunity and to the quality of life of every Virginian.  These strategic investments will mean shorter commutes, new roads and more jobs across the Commonwealth.”

            Each September, the FHWA reviews every state’s ability to commit allocated highway dollars as the federal fiscal year ends. States that cannot obligate federal funding must return that spending authority to the FHWA. The funds are then redistributed to states that can obligate all of their federal allocations and have additional eligible projects ready to move forward.

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