RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Jeff Caldwell 804-524-6179 richmondinfo@VirginiaDOT.org Sara Cross 804-524-6387

RICH-55 July 15, 2004

TRANSPORTATION BOARD APPROVES TWO CENTRAL VIRGINIA CONTRACTS VALUED AT $25.3 MILLION

RICHMOND— The Commonwealth Transportation Board approved two contracts worth $25.3 million for Central Virginia maintenance and construction projects.

The board awarded Fort Chiswell Construction Corporation of Bluefield, Virginia a $2.21 million contract to replace the bridge decks and make repairs to the Route 600 bridges over the Appomattox River and the Appomattox River Canal in Dinwiddie. This project is scheduled for completion in May 2006.

Archer Western Contractors, LTD of Fort Lauderdale, Florida was awarded a $23.10 million contract to replace the steel support beams and bridge deck as well as widen Interstate 64 over the Acca railroad switching yard just west of the I-64/I-95 interchange in Henrico County. During the three phases of construction, three lanes of traffic will be maintained on I-64 in the eastbound direction and four lanes will be maintained westbound. During stage two, all vehicles traveling northbound on I-195 to I-64 westbound will be restricted from exiting onto Staples Mill Road. When complete the eastbound bridge will provide four through lanes and an extended ramp from Staples Mill Road to I-64 as well as paved shoulders. The westbound bridge will provide five through lanes, one lane for ramp traffic and paved shoulders. This project is scheduled for completion in October 2007.

The 17-member Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) appointed by the Governor meets regularly on the third Thursday of each month. The board is primarily responsible for locating routes, approving construction contracts, creating traffic regulations, naming highways and administering and allocating the Transportation Trust Fund. Public comments can be made at board meetings.

For more information on the meeting and other CTB action, go to www.VirginiaDOT.org, Info and Services section.

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