Two New Travel Aids Help Memorial Day Get Away Drivers

If you're braving Virginia roads this Memorial Day weekend, here are two new aids from VDOT:

1. Motorists can download a free mobile app that will give them real-time traffic information about traffic on Virginia roads. Visit the new 511 website with live streaming video of traffic conditions or call the improved 511 phone system.

The new system includes:

• Mobile apps for Android and iPhone featuring real-time traffic cameras, travel times, electronic message signs and traffic maps

• New and improved 511 phone service with a better voice recognition system

• Website showing incidents, construction zones, electronic message signs, travel times and traffic camera.

• The majority of traffic cameras stream video at 15 frames per second, providing sharp and clear image.

• Reach the Beach information that shows the fastest routes to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the Outer Banks Expressway

2. Speaking of the Beach, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has unveiled new electronic message signs in the Hampton Roads region to help motorists choose the quickest drive time to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront or the North Carolina Outer Banks.
 
The ‘Reach the Beach’ signs will provide drivers with updated travel times at key decision points approaching and leaving the beach and alternative routes.

VDOT will display comparative travel times (in minutes) for two routes. The six static roadside signs are positioned at strategic decision points at the following Hampton Roads locations:
 
·         I-64 eastbound at Denbigh Boulevard (2) in Newport News
·         I-264 westbound at First Colonial Road in Virginia Beach
·         I-664 at U.S. Route 58 eastbound (Bowers Hill) in Chesapeake
·         VA Route 168 northbound Chesapeake Expressway
·         I-664 south at Dock Landing Road in Chesapeake
 
Travel time information will also be available at Safety Rest Areas and Welcome Centers in Fredericksburg, Skippers and New Kent County to help motorists traveling from the Washington, D.C. and Richmond areas.
 
VDOT has installed travel time signs in other areas of the state, including Interstate 95 between Fredericksburg and Washington, D.C. and on Interstate 66 between I-495 and Gainesville. VDOT will continue to expand travel times to key destinations along interstates and highways throughout the commonwealth.

Drive carefully.