Overhead signs will display Hampton Roads traffic times

Posted to: News Traffic - Transportation
Login or register to post comments

By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 5, 2012

Seasoned commuters tune to 610 AM and dial 511 to find the least congested routes in Hampton Roads. Still, it's often guesswork as to which way will actually get you where you're going the quickest.

Starting this summer, some uncertainty will be removed. Overhead message signs will display travel times. For example, signs along I-64 on the Peninsula will offer times based on traffic conditions to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront via the Hampton Roads or Monitor-Merrimac Memorial bridge-tunnels rather than miles of backup.

The data gathered from roadway detectors, cellphone signals and GPS devices will be compiled and converted to travel time, then delivered to signs at least every five minutes. The system already is used on I-66 in Northern Virginia.

The $4.7 million project will be phased in on interstates from Memorial Day through spring 2013.

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.

Bad idea

Submitted by markk33831 on Thu, 01/05/2012 at 9:39 pm.

This will certainly tick off drivers and let them know how inefficient VDOT is at taking care of traffic problems around here. All the signs will do is make it stand out even more.

But first

Submitted by aalto on Thu, 01/05/2012 at 8:21 pm.

Will VDOT fix the signs so they actually are readable? Most are so broken no one can even read the words being shown.

Passing the buck

Submitted by mrfingr on Thu, 01/05/2012 at 1:29 pm.

Not only is this a stupid idea - VDOT will want us to take our eyes off the road long enough to read a sign after they got legislation through saying no cell phones - but who/how will this be paid for? Another toll? If a toll, will it only be added to those who actually drive the roads with signs? With all that VDOT is trying to "pass along" soon the freeways will be empty and the side roads will be clogged. I don't see northern Virginians having to pay tolls for all the construction going on along 95 and 495.

a few things

Submitted by ken on Thu, 01/05/2012 at 2:11 pm.

1) The signs are already in place, so whatever cost is going into posting estimated drive times will be minimal. It certaintly won't require a toll.

2) The new HOV lanes being built along the beltway and the extension of the HOV lanes on 95 to Fredricksburg are both being funded by tolls. On a related note the I-64 interchange with Battlefield Blvd and new I-264 interchange with London Bridge Rd aren't being funded by tolls either.

Deja Vu Again

Submitted by PeanutGallery on Thu, 01/05/2012 at 12:23 pm.

The signs will say the same exact thing everyday to become meaningless after the first week; HRBT 5 miles 73 minutes; MIDTOWN 3 miles 47 minutes; DOWNTOWN 2 miles 42 minutes. I know, why don't we post info on the person who "breaks down or has the accident" in the tunnel? We could also live feed in the news like CNN so we have something to do while stuck in traffic?