RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Sandy Myers (540) 332-9201 Sandy.Myers@vdot.virginia.gov Cellular: (540) 292-2500

sta-088 May 16, 2008

ROUTE 696 IN MOUNT SIDNEY TO CLOSE FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION

STAUNTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation will close a portion of Route 696 in Mount Sidney in Augusta County for a road reconstruction project. The closure will begin on June 2 and is anticipated to last until August 15. The construction work will be located approximately a half mile west of Route 11 to Route 11.

Motorists are advised to use Route 626 and Route 748 for a detour.

Citizens with questions on the closure may contact the VDOT Verona Residency Office at (540) 332-8989.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-866-MY511VA (695-1182). (TTY/TDD users, call 711). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.