RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Donna Purcell Mayes 804-786-2717 Donna.Mayes@VirginiaDOT.org

CO-024 May 14, 2004

NEW DIRECTIONAL SIGN PROGRAM WILL BENEFIT TRAVELERS, BUSINESSES AND TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Public Invited to Comment on New Program Under Development

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is creating a one-stop directional sign program that will benefit Virginia’s businesses and tourist destinations and, most importantly, the traveling public.
The new Integrated Directional Sign Program (IDSP) includes the well-known food, gas, lodging and camping “logo” signs seen along interstates and limited-access highways, and two other types of signs that direct motorists to services, attractions and other sites of interest. A new category of tourist-oriented directional signs would also be created for other state highways. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) is expected to act on the program in mid-July.

The program’s proposed new categories and criteria will enable more businesses, tourist destinations and attractions, such as wineries and bed and breakfasts, to participate. Pending approval by the CTB, the new fee structure would offset the cost of administering the program and support improvements to Virginia’s rest areas and welcome centers.

The proposed fee structure includes fees for three of the four sign programs, making the new program more equitable for all participants. Currently, only logo sign program participants pay annual fees. Fees would not be charged for general motorist services signs, which use general terms or symbols (such as H for hospitals). More information about the IDSP is available at www.VirginiaDOT.org/guidesigns.

The public has several opportunities to comment on the program. Comments will be accepted through June 3.

• Open-forum public meetings. Each meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a VDOT presentation at 6 p.m.
  


• May 17 – Richmond – Central Office Auditorium, 1221 E. Broad Street


• May 19 – Chesapeake – Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, The Regional Building Regional Boardroom, 723 Woodlake Drive


• May 24 – Salem - VDOT Salem District Auditorium, 731 Harrison Avenue


• May 27 – Chantilly - VDOT Northern Virginia District Fairfax Meeting Room, 14685 Avion Parkway





• E-mails to VDOT-IDSP@VirginiaDOT.org
  


• Mail to State Mobility Management Engineer, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA, 23219