RELEASE: CONTACT:

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

SAL-237 June 10, 2004

VDOT INSTALLS TENTH-MILE MARKERS ON INTERSTATE 81

Starting in June, a Virginia Department of Transportation contractor will begin installing tenth-mile markers along the full length of Interstate 81 through Virginia, from the Tennessee state line to the West Virginia state line. I-81 runs 325 miles through Virginia and currently has mile markers at each mile.

The new tenth-mile markers will improve safety for stranded motorists, especially those unfamiliar with the area in which they are traveling, by improving their ability to identify their location for assistance. The new markers also will help VDOT personnel make better estimates of traffic backups and pinpoint work zone locations.

“Drivers are sometimes unsure of their locations, so when accident reports first come in, responders sometimes have a difficult time finding them,” explains Chris McDonald, assistant traffic engineer for VDOT’s Salem transportation district. “With a marker every tenth mile on I-81, people will be able to better identify their locations and that will lead to more detailed driver information and better accident response.”

Southern Signs Inc. of Roanoke contracted to perform the tenth-mile marker installation, which is to be completed by September 30. The new mile markers will cost $201,550.

Installation will begin on the southern end of I-81 in Washington County at the Tennessee border. Tenth-mile markers will be installed on northbound and southbound I-81 in each county before work begins on the next county to the north. In Virginia, I-81 extends through 12 counties: Washington, Smyth, Wythe, Pulaski, Montgomery, Roanoke, Botetourt, Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick.

The majority of installation work will be performed on the I-81 shoulders, but some lane closures may be necessary, especially on narrow or long bridges. No work will be performed on weekends or during peak travel hours between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

To get information about I-81 lane closures or traffic delays, travelers can dial 511 or visit the Web site at www.511Virginia.org. Customers outside the I-81 region or with Verizon phone service can access 511 information by dialing 1-800-578-4111.