RELEASE: CONTACT:

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

STA-087 May 14, 2008

SNOW PLOWABLE MARKERS TO BE INSTALLED ON SEVERAL ROADS
Lane Markings Will Have Increased Visibility

STAUNTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation will be installing snow-plowable markers at several locations within the Staunton and Culpeper districts. The project is to replace aging marker lens at various locations as well as place markers for the first time on several roadways. The work will begin May 19 with a completion date of October 1, 2008. All work is weather permitting.

Roads receiving new markers were identified based on traffic volumes, accident history, fog conditions, mountainous terrain and requests from the public. The new markers will be placed at the following locations:

Frederick County
Route 522

Clarke County
Route 340

Augusta County
Route 254
Route 608
Route 612
Route 654

Highland County
Route 250 at Bullpasture Mountain

Rockingham County
Route 11
Route 33
Route 42
Route 259

Roads receiving lens replacements were selected base on age of the existing lens, with an average replacement age of three to four years. Lens replacement will be done at the following locations:

Albemarle County
Route 53
Route 250

Alleghany County
Interstate 64

Augusta County
Interstate 64

Bath County
Route 39 on mountain

Rockingham County
Interstate 81

Shenandoah County
Interstate 81

Warren County
Interstate 66
Route 638

Snow-plowable markers enhance visibility of pavement markings during night and wet conditions and can help reduce crashes.

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.

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