News from VDOT
Headlines
Feb. 7, 2010
VDOT URGES EXTREME CAUTION AS CONDITIONS IMPROVE
Crews continue to treat roads, refreezing likely
RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) continues to work around the clock to clear roadways across the commonwealth. While conditions are improving on interstates and primary roads, motorists are urged to use extreme caution as travel remains hazardous in many areas. State officials are responding to more traffic incidents as drivers venture out today.
Feb. 4, 2010
VDOT RALLIES FOR ANOTHER MAJOR WEATHER EVENT
Crews ready for major winter storm as agency identifies additional snow-removal funding
RICHMOND — Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have hardly had a chance to park their snowplows, restock salt and sand supplies, and get rest between blasts of winter weather in the past few weeks. The agency has rallied its resources and is ready to address a major winter storm expected to impact much of the commonwealth Friday and Saturday.
Jan. 30, 2010
VDOT URGES MOTORISTS TO STAY OFF ROADS
Roads across the state are snow covered as snow continues falling
RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) continues to respond to the recent winter storm. Crews have been working non-stop to clear roads across the commonwealth. However, motorists are still urged to stay off the roads as heavy snowfall continues throughout much of Virginia.
Jan. 29, 2010
VDOT PREPARES FOR WINTER SNOW STORM
Drivers urged to use 511 in advance of travels and make way for snow removal efforts
RICHMOND — Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have readied their snowplows, checked salt and sand supplies, scheduled personnel for weekend shifts and have begun full preparations for this weekend’s winter weather. Crews have also applied anti-icing chemicals on many of the commonwealth’s most traveled pavements and bridges to prevent icy conditions and to help make plowing more efficient.
Jan. 12, 2010
VDOT SIGNS INTERIM AGREEMENT WITH PRIVATE FIRM TO DEVELOP AND OPERATE THE DOWNTOWN TUNNEL/MIDTOWN TUNNEL/MLK EXTENSION
Project will produce benefits including an additional Midtown Tunnel tube, reduced congestion and improved travel times and safety
RICHMOND — Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Commissioner David S. Ekern recently signed the interim agreement that advances a private-sector proposal to develop and/or operate the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/Martin Luther King Extension Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) Project. The interim agreement with Elizabeth River Crossings, LLC (ERC), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, will advance the required preliminary work on the project.
The project improvements call for the design and construction of a parallel Midtown Tunnel, extension of the MLK Freeway between Interstate 264 and London Boulevard and improvements to the existing Midtown and Downtown tunnels.
Jan. 4, 2010
VDOT COMPLETES STAFFING REDUCTION PLAN
Agency Issues 678 Layoff Notices To Complete Final Stage of Staffing Cuts
RICHMOND — In its effort to meet a required reduction of staffing to 7,500 full-time employees by July 1, 2010, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) today began issuing 678 layoff notifications in its final round of position eliminations.
The staffing reductions are a portion of a three-part plan, called the Blueprint for the Future, addressing a six-year $4.6 billion transportation revenue shortfall and completing an agency-wide restructuring.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 4 and extending through Friday, Jan. 8, VDOT will provide initial notice of layoff to employees throughout the agency.
Dec. 17, 2009
VDOT FORCES READY FOR WEEKEND WINTER STORM
Drivers urged to use 511 in advance of travels and make way for snow removal efforts
RICHMOND — Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are prepared for full response to the predicted statewide weekend winter storm. VDOT is monitoring weather reports and will begin preparations today.
The agency will spray anti-icing chemicals on pavements and bridges, and prepare personnel, supplies and equipment to address this weekend’s weather beginning today.
Dec. 17, 2009
COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD APPROVES MEASURES TO ADDRESS $893.5 MILLION IN TRANSPORTATION REVENUE REDUCTIONS
Adopts Revised Fiscal Years 2010 – 2015 Six-Year Improvement Program
RICHMOND – The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) took action at its meeting in Richmond today to address transportation revenue estimates that continue to slide downward. The latest shortfall for fiscal years 2010-2015 now totals $893.5 million, including more than $42 million in additional reductions announced in December. The latest revenue estimates require the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to reduce administrative, operational, maintenance and construction programs to balance their budgets.
Overall, since spring 2008, available transportation revenue has been reduced by $4.61 billion.
Dec. 16, 2009
HRBT INDEPENDENT REVIEW PANEL REPORT RELEASED
VDOT issues action plan to address recommendations
RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced today its final action plan in response to recommendations made by the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Independent Review Panel to improve tunnel maintenance and operational policies and procedures.
VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern convened the panel of industry experts to review existing tunnel operations, technology and management in response to the eight-hour closure of the HRBT due to flooding caused by a water main break July 2.
Dec. 4, 2009
VDOT PREPARED FOR WEEKEND SNOW AND ICE
Drivers reminded to use caution and plan ahead for this weekend’s winter storm
RICHMOND — Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) mobilized today in anticipation of a weekend winter storm that could bring a dose of winter weather to much of the state.
