Showing posts with label Virginia Transportation Department. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virginia Transportation Department. Show all posts

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Launches Plan to Help Fix I-66

wm-license-information-description-missing wm-...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
25-mile project would include new express lanes, rapid bus service, park and-ride network

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe  announced a plan to transform traffic-choked Interstate 66 into a multi-modal facility with express lanes, rapid bus service and a park-and-ride network from the Capital Beltway to Haymarket.

“Interstate 66 is broken. Commuters are stuck in traffic, limited in the travel choices they can make and unable to predict how long their trip will take on any given day,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Giving Virginians more choices and a better, safer travel experience on I-66 is one of my top priorities, and today I am proud to announce the beginning of that effort.”

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne continued, “Over the last couple of months the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has worked closely with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnerships (OTP3) and Fairfax and Prince William counties to devise a plan that will reduce congestion on I-66 by increasing capacity and giving travelers more choices. Today we kick off 17 months of rigorous environmental study and robust community involvement. By the end of 2016 our plan is to complete environmental work, identify funding sources, receive federal approval, and move forward on a plan to turn I-66 into the efficient, multi-modal corridor that Virginia’s economy needs.”

Under the proposed plan I-66 would be improved to provide:
·       Three regular lanes in each direction;
·       Two express lanes in each direction (the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane would be converted to an express lane and one new express lane would be constructed);
·       High-frequency bus service with predictable travel times; and,
·       Direct access between the express lanes and new or expanded commuter lots.
As on the 495 Express Lanes and soon-to-open 95 Express Lanes, tolls would be congestion-based and motorists would have the choice of driving free in the regular lanes or paying a toll to use the express lanes. Carpools of three or more persons and buses would ride free. The current HOV-2 requirement would be raised to HOV-3 to be consistent with the region’s Constrained Long Range Plan which calls for HOV-3 by 2020. HOV-3 on I-66 would also match the occupancy requirement on 495 and 95.

The full scope of improvements, which will be refined over the coming months, is estimated to cost between $2 and $3 billion.

The Tier 2 Environmental Assessment will evaluate site-specific conditions and potential effects the proposed improvements would have on air quality, noise, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, historic properties, wetlands and streams. The proposed improvements will not preclude the addition of Metro, light rail or bus rapid transit within the right of way on I-66 in the future.
In November 2013, the Federal Highway Administration approved the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement with a Record of Decision. Also last year, 19 private-sector firms offered recommendations for solutions to improve Interstate 66 in response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by OTP3. The RFI sought innovative and creative solutions to ease the congested I-66 corridor from the Capital Beltway to Route 15 in Haymarket, with an emphasis on providing a multi-modal solution and minimizing right of way impacts.
More information on the I-66 Corridor Improvement Project is available here.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces New Web Portal to Track Road Projects

VDOT Interchange Exit Direction Sign
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.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces $4.75 Million Funding For Water Project in Buchanan County

Seal of Buchanan County, Virginia
Seal of Buchanan County, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Project will provide public water to 267 households ~

RICHMOND ─ Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) will administer a federal grant totaling $4,750,000 to provide public water to a community in Buchanan County affected by past coal mining practices.  The water project has been selected for construction funding under Virginia’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) FY14 Grant to be released in April 2014.

“I am pleased to announce the funding of the fifth phase of the Hurley Regional Water Project in Buchanan County,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “I commend the initiative taken by the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors to submit the application to bring clean public water to a total of 267 households.”

Hurley Regional Water Project Phase V - Buchanan County Board of Supervisors: The Hurley project represents the fifth phase of construction for the extension of public water service into the Hurley area of Buchanan County, Virginia. The project includes the construction of a water storage tank and a pump station. The funds will also pay for the replacement and upgrade of water lines to make this extension of public water possible and to provide an opportunity for future extensions.

Reclamation fees paid by the coal industry have funded the replacement of over 8500 domestic water supplies that were adversely affected by mining that occurred prior to passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.  In addition to providing needed public water supplies this project also creates a number of construction jobs to stimulate the local economy.

Funding for the DMME’s water supply replacement projects is through reclamation fees paid by the coal industry.
Enhanced by Zemanta

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.
Enhanced by Zemanta

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.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, December 20, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Banner Year for Transportation in the Commonwealth

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in .
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.  
Enhanced by Zemanta

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
Enhanced by Zemanta