| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Dawn Eischen (804) 524-6179 Richmondinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov |
RICH-0620 July 12, 2006 |
SPEED LIMIT DECREASED IN I-295 FLYOVER PROJECT WORK ZONE
VDOT installed new speed limit signs this week
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has decreased the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph along sections of Interstate 64 and Interstate 295 in the I-295 flyover project construction zone in western Henrico County. New speed limit signs have been installed.
The areas affected by this speed limit decrease are I-64 east and west between Route 288 (mile marker 174) and Broad Street (mile marker 178), and I-295 north between Nuckols Road (mile marker 51) and the I-64 interchange (mile marker 53). These sections of highway average 60,000 and 48,000 vehicles per day, respectively. Virginia State Police will enforce the decreased speed limit. The fine for violating the speed limit in a work zone is $500.
Most work zones are designed in such a way that a reduction in the speed limit is not necessary, says Travis Bridewell, VDOT Richmond District traffic engineer. However, in this case, I believe a reduced speed is the right thing to do, for everyones safety, given the road characteristics. These characteristics include the close proximity of concrete barriers to the moving traffic, the complexity of the work, the length of the construction zone and the high traffic volumes in the operational area of this major highway interchange.
VDOT encourages motorists to drive safely through work zones by following these safety tips:
Construction for the I-295 flyover project began in April 2005. The $67 million project will improve the flow of traffic between I-295 and Route 288, and is scheduled for completion in spring 2009.
For more information about the project or to sign up for email notifications, visit the I-295 flyover Web site.
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
The areas affected by this speed limit decrease are I-64 east and west between Route 288 (mile marker 174) and Broad Street (mile marker 178), and I-295 north between Nuckols Road (mile marker 51) and the I-64 interchange (mile marker 53). These sections of highway average 60,000 and 48,000 vehicles per day, respectively. Virginia State Police will enforce the decreased speed limit. The fine for violating the speed limit in a work zone is $500.
Most work zones are designed in such a way that a reduction in the speed limit is not necessary, says Travis Bridewell, VDOT Richmond District traffic engineer. However, in this case, I believe a reduced speed is the right thing to do, for everyones safety, given the road characteristics. These characteristics include the close proximity of concrete barriers to the moving traffic, the complexity of the work, the length of the construction zone and the high traffic volumes in the operational area of this major highway interchange.
VDOT encourages motorists to drive safely through work zones by following these safety tips:
- Expect anything activity in work sites is unpredictable
- Be aware of construction vehicles moving in and out of work zones
- Drive at posted speed limits
- Obey signs, transition devices and pavement markings
- Follow the five-second rule to allow more room for vehicles in front of you
- Watch for flaggers and follow their directions
- Look for changes in work zone locations
- Stay alert
- Report any work zone problems - call VDOTs Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD
- Check road conditions before traveling by calling 511 or visiting VDOTs web site
Construction for the I-295 flyover project began in April 2005. The $67 million project will improve the flow of traffic between I-295 and Route 288, and is scheduled for completion in spring 2009.
For more information about the project or to sign up for email notifications, visit the I-295 flyover Web site.
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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
Page last modified: Nov. 20, 2006
