Work Zone Safety - Everybody's Responsibility

Bridge Preservation

Manage to Survive: Traffic Incident Management for First Responders

Work Zone Awareness: Jimmie Harris

VDOT: Traffic Incident Management

Public Involvement - Virtual Public Meetings

Governor Northam Announces Plans to Protect Migratory Birds

 Governor Ralph Northam today announced a comprehensive approach to address the loss of habitat for colonial nesting birds on the South Island of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT), and create a backstop against the federal government’s failure to protect migratory birds.

The South Island is where construction equipment will be based during expansion of the HRBT, a project critical for reducing congestion and improving safety in eastern Virginia. It is the largest project ever for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

The South Island is an artificial island where the bridge transitions to a tunnel. Since the HRBT was constructed in the 1950s, South Island has become the nesting site for as many as 25,000 migratory birds, including terns, gulls, and other colonial nesting species.

Virginia is acting because in 2018, federal officials reinterpreted a longstanding provision of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, passed into law in 1918, to significantly limit the protections it provides for migratory birds. Had this federal policy remained unchanged, it would have protected the birds on South Island.

The plan for migratory birds includes these components:

• New policy backstop. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) has initiated the process to develop a regulation to define and permit “incidental take” of migratory birds for major commercial, industrial, and construction projects in the Commonwealth. This rule would make Virginia one of the first states to “backstop” recent federal rollbacks of longstanding migratory bird protections. DGIF will release a discussion draft of the rule for comment in the coming weeks.
  
• New habitat for nesting. DGIF will provide habitat for nesting waterbirds by preparing an artificial island adjacent to the HRBT, known as Rip Raps Island (The Department of Conservation and Recreation owns the island, which is also known as Fort Wool.). In addition, DGIF will seek authorization to procure and position barges to provide additional nesting habitat in advance of the upcoming nesting season.
  
• Bird management plan. Before construction begins, the HRBT design builder will develop a bird management plan to ensure effective deterrence of nesting and treatment of nests, eggs, and young that may become established on the HRBT’s South Island. The firm will do this in consultation with VDOT and DGIF.
  
• Study possible new long-term habitat. DGIF will accelerate its work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the feasibility of creating an artificial island to provide long-term habitat for displaced waterbirds.
  
• Restoring habitat after construction. Upon completion of construction, VDOT will restore a portion of nesting habitat on South Island to the maximum extent possible.
  
• Ongoing study: Interactions of Infrastructure and Natural Resources. VDOT and Virginia’s Chief Resiliency Officer commissioned the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to study interactions among transportation infrastructure, migratory birds and other wildlife, and climate change in coastal Virginia.

“This plan demonstrates that infrastructure and development can and must be compatible with wildlife conservation,” said Governor Northam. “It also shows that Virginia is stepping up when federal policies change environmental protections.”

“Infrastructure projects succeed when they are built in harmony with all of the Commonwealth’s priorities,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “Working together here in Virginia, I believe we have found an approach that puts us on a path to success.”

“Virginia is a world class outdoor recreation destination, and the birds using the Atlantic Flyway that stop along our shores are a big reason why,” said Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew J. Strickler. “Protecting wildlife resources is challenging under the best of circumstances and it becomes even harder when federal partners weaken longstanding policies.”

The Office of the Governor and relevant agencies will continue this work and will be prepared to accommodate the birds when they return for the spring 2020 nesting season and beyond. Additional details will be provided soon.

Contracts to expand the HRBT include a fixed completion date of November 1, 2025.

For additional information about the Commonwealth’s plan to protect migratory birds click here.

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STEP Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements

Laskin Road Project Update January 2020

Governor, Legislators Plan to Improve Driver Safety, Modernize Transportation System

Governor Ralph Northam and legislative leaders today announced support for a comprehensive transportation package that will improve driver and pedestrian safety and modernize funding for transit, rail, and roads.

House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw joined the Governor for the announcement, along with House Transportation Committee Chair Delores McQuinn and Senate Transportation Committee Chair David Marsden. The measures are outlined in House Bill 1414 (Filler-Corn) and Senate Bill 890 (Saslaw).

“Virginians should be able to get to work or to school safely, without sitting in traffic,” said Governor Northam. “This bold package will reduce congestion, transform transit and rail service, and support economic growth across Virginia. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to pass it into law.”

This landmark transportation package will make roads safer by establishing a Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program and implementing a number of proven safety policies. These measures include prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones while driving, banning open containers of alcohol in vehicles, making failure to wear a seatbelt a primary offense, enhancing speed enforcement, and allowing localities to lower speed limits. Combined, they are expected to save more than 120 lives a year.

“In November, Virginians overwhelmingly demanded we take swift, decisive action that improves their lives,” said Speaker of the House of Delegates Eileen Filler-Corn. “I am excited to work with the Governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly to pass this legislation that will make our roads safer, commutes shorter, and transform passenger and commuter rail in the Commonwealth.”

Despite Virginians driving more than ever, revenues from motor fuel taxes have continued to drop. This legislation modernizes Virginia’s transportation funding model by cutting vehicle registration fees in half, raising the gas tax, and indexing it to inflation. New revenues will build a sustainable transportation system over the next decade and will be distributed through a new streamlined funding mechanism that supports a multimodal network.

“We know we can’t pave our way out of congestion,” said Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw. “This bill will ensure we are using taxpayer money efficiently, will save Virginians’ time, and will enhance infrastructure options for moving people and goods throughout the Commonwealth. This measure is long overdue and a much needed path forward to addressing Virginia’s transportation challenges.”

This proposal also includes measures to dramatically transform Virginia’s transit and rail systems. It establishes the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to promote and expand passenger and commuter rail service across the Commonwealth. In coordination with the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the legislation authorizes the use of bonds to assist with the construction of a new rail Long Bridge across the Potomac River, increasing capacity for passenger, commuter and freight trains, and reducing congestion. The package also establishes a Transit Incentive Program, which will promote improved transit service, support regional routes, and reduce barriers to transit use by low-income individuals.

“This legislation is the foundation for a true multimodal transportation system,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “By building a sustainable funding bridge to the future, Virginia is making a bold investment in safe, reliable travel options that create mobility for all Virginians.”

The legislation also includes funding to support:

• Smart Scale, the data-driven model for new capacity transportation projects;
• Interstates, secondary and city streets to meet safety and performance targets;
• Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, to help restore funding for regional priorities;
• I-81 Debt Authorization to accelerate $2 billion program of projects; and
• Matching Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) funds for WMATA
• Critical or Special bridges and tunnels

Additional information on the Governor’s full transportation package is available here.

GDOT Transportation Tech Showcase

Public Invited To Meetings On Interstate 95 Corridor Improvement Plan

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), supported by the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), will study Interstate 95 (I-95) to initiate a data-driven study to develop the I-95 Corridor Plan which will (i) identify key problem areas along the corridor, and (ii) identify potential solutions and areas for additional review and study.

As directed in Senate Joint Resolution 276 and House Joint Resolution 581 during the 2019 General Assembly, the study team will identify targeted improvements and incident management strategies for the corridor.

Interim I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan

Now Available

Public Briefings

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will receive briefings during the study time frame.

• December 2019 CTB presentation briefing
• October 2019 CTB presentation briefing
• July 2019 CTB presentation briefing
• April 2019 CTB presentation briefing
• View the CTB’s study launch announcement.

Public Involvement

Attend a meeting:

You are invited to the final series of meetings, which will be focused on reviewing results of the study’s findings, which include development of a corridor-wide operations and arterial roadway upgrade plan for implementation. Locations requiring additional study have also been identified. The meetings will include a brief presentation followed by an open house, which will allow attendees to speak one-on-one with study team members.Feedback provided by members of communities, industries, and other stakeholders are being considered as team members finalize the study and prepare a draft plan. The CTB plans to report the study’s findings to the General Assembly during the 2020 General Assembly session. 

Public meetings will be held at the below-listed dates and times at the noted locations.

Monday, January 27, 2020 Fredericksburg* Fredericksburg District Auditorium 87 Deacon Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405 6-8 p.m. *Presentation from 7:30-8 p.m. as part of Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization public meeting, held at same location. VDOT staff will be available 6-8 p.m. to review plan materials and answer questions.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Northern Virginia** South County Middle School 8700 Laurel Crest Drive Lorton, VA 22079 6-8 p.m. **Presentation will be held near the beginning of the meeting.

Thursday, January 30, 2020 Richmond/Hampton Roads** Hilton Garden Inn Richmond South/Southpark 800 Southpark Boulevard Colonial Heights, VA 23834 5-7 p.m. **Presentation will be held near the beginning of the meeting.

Any questions or comments can be submitted via email to: VA95corridorplan@vdot.virginia.gov.

Meeting materials will be posted beginning January 27, 2020.

Next Steps:

Prior to full finalization of the Interstate 95 Corridor Improvement Plan, the study team will also conduct a study of Interstate 64 in the summer of 2020. Once complete, the study team will present a listing of prioritized capital projects for both interstate corridors to the CTB for its consideration in determining potential allocations from available funding sources. Following the prioritization, the Interim I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan will be finalized and presented to the CTB for action. 

Meeting Materials:

Third Series

• Coming soon!

Second Series

• Meeting Brochure

Corridor-Wide Improvement Strategies:

• Potential Multimodal Improvements
• Quick Clearance Towing and Safety Service Patrol Coverage
• Long Bridge Project Summary
• DC2RVA Passenger Rail Improvement Summary
• Arterial Strategies for Incident Management
• Operational and Freeway Improvement

Northern Virginia District:

• Meeting Presentation
• I-95 in Northern Virginia District: Proposed Improvements
• I-95 in Northern virginia District: Projects for Further Study

Richmond District:

Fredericksburg District:

• Meeting Presentation
• I-95 in Fredericksburg District: Proposed Improvements
• I-95 in Fredericksburg District: Projects for Further Study

Richmond District:

• Meeting Presentation
• I-95 in Richmond District: Proposed Improvements
• I-95 in Richmond District: Projects for Further Study

Hampton Roads District:

• Meeting Presentation
• I-95 in Hampton Roads District: Proposed Improvements
• I-95 in Hampton Roads District: Projects for Further Study

First Series

General Information Along Corridor:

• I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan Public Meetings Presentation: First Series
• I-95 Study Area
• I-95 Current Major Improvements Table
• I-95 Recurring and Non-Recurring Delay
• I-95 Towing and Safety Service Patrol Coverage
• Public Bus Service Along Corridor
• Passenger and Freight Rail Along Corridor
• Persons Moved Along Corridor
• Long Bridge Project Summary
• Park and Ride Lots Along Corridor

Review the below materials specific to the locations that affect you.

Northern Virginia District:

• I-95 in Northern Virginia District: Existing Conditions

Fredericksburg District:

• I-95 in Fredericksburg District: Existing Conditions

Richmond District:

• <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S6Xa4MBIpSCW4PXNMPaldoBh

FHWA Awards $8 Million to 10 States for Innovative Highway Projects

WASHINGTON – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced more than $8 million in Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration program grants to state departments of transportation (DOTs) and local governments in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and North Dakota.  The grants will help deliver bridge projects sooner, improve traffic management, and accelerate the use of innovative tools and technologies.

“These funds will help support our state and local partners across the country in their efforts to deliver more resilient roads, bridges and highways for the traveling public,” said Federal Highway Administrator Nicole R. Nason.  “The grants being awarded today will help advance innovative transportation solutions to improve safety and mobility on America’s roadways.”

Since the launch of the AID Demonstration in February 2014, and including the grants announced today, FHWA officials have awarded more than $74 million for 102 grants to help federal land management agencies, tribal governments, state DOTs, metropolitan planning organizations, and local governments accelerate the use of innovative practices and improve safety.  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, for example, is using a $1 million grant awarded in Fiscal Year 2017 to help pay for its first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI).  That project will demolish the existing SH-6 bridges over I-40, replace them with the DDI, and create a safer intersection in Elk City.

FY 2019 Accelerated Innovation Deployment Demonstration Program Grants

Agency	Amount	Project Description
Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and Baldwin County Highway Department	$1,000,000	ALDOT and Baldwin County will employ two innovations – Accelerated Bridge Construction and Next Beam Ultra High-Performance Concrete Retrofit – to shorten construction time from 14 weeks to six weeks for bridge retrofit projects.
Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT)	$313,600	ArDOT will use 3D Modeling and e-Construction, two innovations supported by FHWA, to enhance the use of Global Navigation Satellite System technology in the engineering and construction phases of projects.
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)	$800,000	CDOT will utilize Snow Plow Signal Priority to improve traffic flow during and after snow removal.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and City of Orlando	$998,216	FDOT will use its grant to improve traffic signalization at intersections in sections of Orlando.  A pilot demonstration that the grant will help fund is part of a larger project being undertaken to intelligently manage transportation flows around Orlando’s downtown area.
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and City of Jerseyville	$1,000,000	IDOT will employ an innovative material known as compacted concrete pavement to improve roadway surface conditions on Hollow Avenue in Jerseyville.
Iowa Department of Transportation and City of Dubuque	$998,000	The Iowa Department of Transportation and the City of Dubuque’s Smart Traffic Routing with Efficient and Effective Traffic Signals project will benefit from an AID grant that can help develop a smart, next-generation traffic management and control system that will ultimately link 11 corridors and allow them to act as one integrated system.
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)	$1,000,000	MDOT will employ two innovations – Accelerated Bridge Construction and Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems (PBES) – to reduce the number of potential delays caused by traffic during construction of the 2nd Avenue Network Arch Superstructure project.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the City of Winona	$1,000,000	MnDOT will use this grant for an innovative road project to improve safety, mobility, and access for drivers and bicyclists along Broadway Avenue in the City of Winona.
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)	$740,000	NYSDOT will use its grant to improve traffic incident management on a region-wide basis.
North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)	$241,687	NDDOT is using its grant to deploy a robot-driven crash truck known as an “autonomous attenuator” that can protect workers from traffic when doing routine maintenance activities.
TOTAL	$8,091,503

For more information about these grants, and FHWA’s AID demonstration program, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/accelerating/grants.

VDOT: 2019 Transportation Successes

VDOT: A Parade of Plows in the Salem District

Modernizing The Lighting on Virginia Roads

RICHMOND — New energy-efficient lighting will make nighttime driving safer on Virginia’s highways, Governor Ralph Northam said today. He announced that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will contract with Trane to replace more than 9,600 highway lights with light-emitting diode (LED) products, improving roadway visibility and energy efficiency.

The lighting upgrade will reduce highway lights’ energy consumption by more than 50 percent and triple the expected lifetime from five years to 15 or more years. This project is aligned with the clean energy goals the governor laid out in his 2018 Virginia Energy Plan and in Executive Order Forty-Three which he signed in September.

Key improvements of the lighting modernization project include:

• Consuming 11 million fewer kilowatt-hours per year following replacement—enough to power roughly 16,000 refrigerators for a year
• Resulting in an estimated 8,800-ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• Improving drivers’ ability to see objects at night, such as pedestrians, animals, and debris
• Reducing crash risks as fewer light replacements mean fewer roadway work zones
• Saving taxpayer dollars through energy efficiency and longer product life

This lighting modernization project will reduce energy use and increase road safety,” said Governor Northam. “It’s an important step forward as we work to make Virginia a leader in clean energy, and I commend VDOT and Trane on their work to improve our roadways, our communities, and our environment.”

The lighting project is expected to result in savings for the Commonwealth starting on day one, with a cumulative net savings of $4.6 million by 2036. The savings stems from lower energy bills and reduced operations and maintenance costs for future light replacement. VDOT selected LED lights to optimize road user visibility and minimize environmental impacts.

“VDOT’s collaboration with industry, health policy experts, and other stakeholders has ensured that we are delivering the highest standard of lighting that also has a minimal impact on our environment,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “Virginia’s forward-thinking approach has made the Commonwealth a national model for safe and effective highway lighting.”

VDOT is funding the lighting upgrade project using the Virginia Energy Management Program’s energy performance contract option, which allows VDOT to finance infrastructure improvements using future energy and operational savings. VDOT partnered with Trane following a competitive procurement process.

“Trane has completed over $280 million in performance contracting, and successfully implemented projects for many Commonwealth of Virginia agencies,” said Larry Cummings, Marketing Leader and Strategic Partnerships at Trane. “We are proud to collaborate with VDOT to enhance the lighting levels on Virginia’s roads to improve safety and energy use.”

Light replacement will start in spring 2020. This project includes lights located on limited-access highways and associated interchanges, as well as VDOT-owned park-and-ride lots, rest areas, and weigh stations in the Richmond, Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia districts.

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VDOT Executes Contract with Trane on Energy-Efficiency Effort

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) today announced that the agency has signed a contract with Trane to replace more than 9,600 highway lights with light-emitting diode (LED) products, improving roadway visibility and energy efficiency.

Significant outcomes of this lighting modernization project will include:

• Improving drivers’ ability to see objects at night, such as pedestrians, animals or debris
• Reducing crash risks as fewer light replacements mean fewer roadway work zones
• Saving taxpayer dollars through energy efficiency and longer product life
• Consuming 11 million fewer kilowatt-hours per year following replacement

Aligned with Governor Ralph Northam’s 2018 Energy Plan and Executive Order 43, as well as the VDOT Business Plan, the lighting upgrade will reduce highway lights’ energy consumption by 50% and improve the light lifetime from five years to 15 or more years.

“I applaud Secretary Valentine and everyone at VDOT for moving forward with this great initiative that will save money, make our roads safer and at the same time be better for the environment,” said Delegate John J. Bell. “As a long-time advocate for LED implementation in Virginia, I strongly believe this initiative will have significant positive benefits for the Commonwealth and makes a statement about our commitment to being a clean-energy leader.”

This lighting project is expected to result in a cumulative net savings of $4.6 million by 2036. The savings stem from lower energy bills and reduced operations and maintenance costs for future light replacement.

VDOT is funding the lighting upgrade project using the Virginia Energy Management Program’s energy performance contract option, which allows VDOT to finance infrastructure improvements using future energy and operational savings.

“Safety is always at the forefront of our decision-making at VDOT,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “We are constantly investigating opportunities to bring innovation and cost savings to change how we do business. Today is a win for safety and sustainability, and this technology will lead to quality of life enhancements for all that travel the Commonwealth’s roadways.”

“Trane has partnered with many Virginia state agencies, successfully implementing performance contracts totaling over $280 million in the Commonwealth,” said Larry Cummings, Marketing Leader & Strategic Partnerships, Trane. “We are proud to be VDOT’s partner in this important effort to enhance lighting and improve safety on Virginia’s roads.”

Light replacement will start in spring 2020. This project includes lights located on limited-access highways and associated interchanges, as well as VDOT-owned park-and-ride lots, rest areas and weigh stations in the Richmond, Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia districts.

Innovative use of Jaws-of-Life shaves hours off of repairs

Waze Launches Snow Warning Feature Ahead Of Winter Season

RICHMOND, Va. – Waze, the platform bringing together communities on and off the road, today announced the launch of a new feature to help keep drivers safe during winter weather. Waze users globally will now be able to report, in real-time, when a road has not been plowed, and will be kept informed when they are approaching a road that has already been identified by other drivers as unplowed.

The launch of this feature is a direct result of Waze’s work with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), a Waze for Cities Data partner. With the winter season approaching, VDOT suggested that Waze create the option to better highlight snow on the road within the app. The feature will offer the Waze community of over 130 million monthly users the opportunity to be better prepared for hazardous winter weather conditions.

“One of the primary reasons we created the Waze for Cities Data program was to provide public agencies with data and insights to reduce traffic and improve the safety of their roadways,” said Dani Simons, Head of Public Sector Partnerships at Waze. “Our work with the Virginia Department of Transportation on the development of the ‘Unplowed Road’ feature perfectly exemplifies what can be accomplished when we collaborate with public sector partners to meet community needs.”   

As a Waze for Cities Data partner, VDOT plans to monitor reports coming in from Wazers, and those who are simply shoveling their driveways and sidewalks, this winter and determine how they can incorporate this data into their operations for the following winter.

“At VDOT, our people are constantly exploring innovations and new technologies with the ultimate goal of providing the best service to the residents of the Commonwealth and all those who travel our roads,” said VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner Rob Cary. “Many use crowdsourcing in their daily lives. We wanted to explore this method of information gathering to help improve safety and better assess the conditions of our roads during winter weather. We value our partnership with Waze, and look forward to monitoring the real-time reports on road conditions and determining how best to incorporate the data into our future operations.”

The new feature is now available in over 185 countries where Waze is accessible, and can be found under “Hazards -> Weather -> Unplowed Road”. The feature highlights Waze’s commitment to helping its community across the globe navigate traffic through all driving conditions more efficiently and safely.

Waze for Cities Data is part of the Waze for Cities program, where partners can also access Waze Beacons, Waze Carpool, and solutions for managing communications with drivers and traffic during crisis situations and other major events like marathons, football championships and large concerts.

To find out more about Waze for Cities, visit http://waze.com/wazeforcities. To download the free Waze app for iOS or Android, visit http://www.waze.com/get.

About WazeWaze is where people and technology meet to solve transportation challenges. It's a platform that empowers communities to contribute road data, edit Waze maps, and carpool to improve the way we move about the world. Thanks to Wazers everywhere, Waze is able to partner with municipalities and transit authorities to reduce traffic and congestion—leveraging current infrastructure while impacting city planning. 

A world with better transportation doesn't have to be in the distant future. By harnessing the power of community to reverse negative trends in transportation, Waze can create a world where traffic is history.

About Virginia Department of TransportationThe Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for building, maintaining and operating the Commonwealth of Virginia's roads, bridges and tunnels. Virginia has the third-largest state-maintained highway system in the country with an annual budget of $6.4 Billion.