RELEASE:

CONTACT:
IMMEDIATE

Dawn Eischen (804) 524-6179
Richmondinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov

RICH-0718

March 30, 2007



SPEED LIMIT DECREASED ON POUNCEY TRACT ROAD AS PART OF THE I-295 FLYOVER PROJECT

HENRICO COUNTY--The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has decreased the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph along a section of Pouncey Tract Road in western Henrico County as part of the I-295 flyover project. New speed limit signs were installed yesterday.

The area affected by this speed limit decrease begins at the West Broad Street (Rt. 250) intersection and extends north to Twin Hickory Lake Drive. Henrico County Police will enforce the decreased speed limit.

Given the roads characteristics, reducing the speed limit is the right thing to do for everyones safety, said Ray Johnston, project manager. These characteristics include the close proximity of concrete barriers to moving traffic and the reduced sight distance for motorists on either side of the bridge.

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 www.511virginia.org
Construction for the I-295 flyover project began in April 2006. The $67 million project will improve the flow of traffic between I-295 and Route 288, and is scheduled for completion in spring 2009. Widening of the Pouncey Tract Road bridge over I-64 is underway with completion expected in spring 2008.

In July 2006, VDOT decreased the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph along sections of I-64 and I-295 in the I-295 flyover project construction zone. Virginia State Police have been enforcing the reduced speed limit in this work zone.

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.


Page last modified: March 30, 2007