RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Jason Bond 540-387-5250 saleminfo@VirginiaDOT.org

SAL-4 July 2, 2004

VDOT HOLDS CITIZEN INFORMATION MEETING ON INTERSTATE 81 CAMERA PROJECT

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a citizen information meeting to explain an upcoming Interstate 81 traffic camera project. Cameras and other traffic sensors will be installed along I-81 between mile markers 140 and 152 in Botetourt and Roanoke counties.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at VDOT’s Salem District Office, located at 731 Harrison Avenue. Following a brief presentation, VDOT staff will be present to answer questions about the camera project.

The project involves installing a wireless, point-to-point local area network (LAN), cameras and traffic sensors along I-81 to improve communications and incident detection. All work will be done within the right of way along I-81. No private property will be affected.

VDOT will monitor traffic through cameras during delays to assist with incident management and communication. The 14 cameras included in the network are not intended for law enforcement use and will not record any images.

Written comments about the project may be submitted at the meeting or within 10 calendar days after the meeting date to Mr. Tim Martin, Virginia Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 3071, Salem, Va. 24153. A court reporter will be present at the meeting to recieve oral comments.

Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting or needing additional information may call VDOT’s Salem District Office at (540) 387-5320 or TDD 711.