RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Sarah Sager (757) 424-9941 sarah.sager@VDOT.virginia.gov Harry Kenyon (757) 925-1660

HRO-661 Dec. 20, 2006

VDOT INITIATES PILOT PROGRAM ON OVERHEAD SIGNS Overhead signs along I-64 West to note backup in miles as opposed to delay times
Overhead signs along I-64 West to note backup in miles as opposed to delay times

VIRGINIA BEACH – Motorists traveling down Interstate 64 West towards the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) will notice a change in the overhead signs and messages they receive relating to backups in the area. Beginning at noon on Wednesday, December 20, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be launching a pilot program on the overhead message signs. During the pilot program, the time delays typically posted on the signs will be replaced with the backup in miles and road name. VDOT is launching this program to see if this method of posting delays is more useful to motorists.

Since 2002, VDOT has been posting time delays on their overhead signs. For example, if traffic is backed up three miles to 4th View, the signs would indicate a 5-10 minute delay. Now if traffic is backed up three miles to 4th View, the new message will read “I-64 HRBT BACKUP 3 MILES TO 4TH VIEW” on one frame. As in the past, the second frame will note the conditions at the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel (MMMBT), which is considered the primary alternate route for the HRBT.

“VDOT’s goal is to provide accurate and timely information to motorists so they can make smart travel choices,” said Stephany Hanshaw, facility manager at VDOT’s Smart Traffic Center.

“We’re launching this pilot program to see if posting the backup in a new format is more informative to motorists than posting the delay times. We know that the best way to gauge the effectiveness of the new messages is to listen to the comments from the citizens who rely on the signs on a daily basis, so we’re asking them to contact us with their opinion on the new messages,” said Hanshaw.

There are three ways citizens can provide feedback on the signs:
• Call 757-424-9914
• Email signs@VDOT.Virginia.gov
• Complete an online survey by visiting: http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/feedbackformI-64.asp

At the end of the pilot program, VDOT is going to review all of the feedback they receive on the new messages. If the test is successful and citizens are pleased with the change, this method of posting delays will likely be expanded throughout Hampton Roads.

For the latest information about traffic and construction in Hampton Roads, motorists can dial 511, listen to 610 AM or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org. Motorists also are encouraged to call VDOT’s new Hampton Roads TrafficLine at 757-361-3016 to hear the Highway Advisory Radio transmission from 610 AM and to access bridge and tunnel information.

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