The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is asking the Commonwealth Transportation Board for $900,000 to install high-tech detection systems on westbound I-64 to warn trucks of height restrictions on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT).
Drivers currently have to pull over to an inspection station to determine if the vehicle can continue or needs to exit and find an alternative route. But often times, drivers ignore these warnings and end up getting stuck, causing major backups and traffic delays. Setting up detection systems earlier would avoid traffic delays at the entry of HRBT.
An infrared beam is attached to a pole at a set height and trips flashing signs and an audible alarm for drivers with trucks that are too tall.
The upgrade is one of many technological projects across the Virginia, which will total $75 million once all is said and done. Another $7 million project would upgrade tunnel traffic safety systems to improve throughput and reduce bottlenecks at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel, by adding dynamic signs telling drivers to merge now or slow speeds because of traffic problems.
A $14.5 million project would add cameras, sensors and variable speed limit signs to manage traffic headed toward the HRBT.
