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Started by Alex, February 04, 2009, 12:22:16 AM

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plain

Tolls will increase later this year on RMTA's two main facilities: the Downtown Expwy (VA 195) and the Richmond portion of the Powhite Pkwy (VA 76). The max toll for cars will go from 70¢ to 90¢ E-ZPass & $1 cash.

https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/toll-increases-on-powhite-parkway-downtown-expressway-go-into-effect-sept-1/amp/


This is the first time RMTA has increased tolls since 2008. The amount of people on FB and such complaining about the increase is appalling to me, given that the tolls could've (and probably should've) been increased already, plus this will still be some of the cheapest tolls you will find anywhere in the country.
Newark born, Richmond bred


sprjus4

Quote from: plain on May 14, 2023, 11:45:28 AM
This is the first time RMTA has increased tolls since 2008. The amount of people on FB and such complaining about the increase is appalling to me, given that the tolls could've (and probably should've) been increased already, plus this will still be some of the cheapest tolls you will find anywhere in the country.
Wow! We have a $4 toll ($9 in the summer!) down here for a rural freeway that saves 2 minutes, and they have an urban expressway that's not even a dollar and shaves off 5-10+ minutes easily, but they feel the need to complain more.

WillWeaverRVA

Quote from: plain on May 14, 2023, 11:45:28 AM
Tolls will increase later this year on RMTA's two main facilities: the Downtown Expwy (VA 195) and the Richmond portion of the Powhite Pkwy (VA 76). The max toll for cars will go from 70¢ to 90¢ E-ZPass & $1 cash.

https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/toll-increases-on-powhite-parkway-downtown-expressway-go-into-effect-sept-1/amp/


This is the first time RMTA has increased tolls since 2008. The amount of people on FB and such complaining about the increase is appalling to me, given that the tolls could've (and probably should've) been increased already, plus this will still be some of the cheapest tolls you will find anywhere in the country.

Much of the uproar is because there has been a significant increase in pedestrian deaths caused by drivers using city streets to shunpike (I-95 and I-64 aren't particularly effective through routes due to being substandard and choked with traffic). Drivers regularly do 15-20 over the speed limit on Main and Cary Streets. Increasing the tolls will probably cause even more drivers to shunpike.
Will Weaver
WillWeaverRVA Photography | Twitter

"But how will the oxen know where to drown if we renumber the Oregon Trail?" - NE2

Thing 342

Quote from: plain on May 14, 2023, 11:45:28 AM
Tolls will increase later this year on RMTA's two main facilities: the Downtown Expwy (VA 195) and the Richmond portion of the Powhite Pkwy (VA 76). The max toll for cars will go from 70¢ to 90¢ E-ZPass & $1 cash.

https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/toll-increases-on-powhite-parkway-downtown-expressway-go-into-effect-sept-1/amp/


This is the first time RMTA has increased tolls since 2008. The amount of people on FB and such complaining about the increase is appalling to me, given that the tolls could've (and probably should've) been increased already, plus this will still be some of the cheapest tolls you will find anywhere in the country.

This is in major contrast to tolls on the privately-managed VA-895, which as of this writing have ratcheted up to $5.55 for cars. (A hard bargain in my opinion, given that VA-10 is a viable alternative for traffic going from I-295 to I-85 or VA-288)

roadman65

Quote from: plain on May 14, 2023, 11:45:28 AM
Tolls will increase later this year on RMTA's two main facilities: the Downtown Expwy (VA 195) and the Richmond portion of the Powhite Pkwy (VA 76). The max toll for cars will go from 70¢ to 90¢ E-ZPass & $1 cash.

https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/toll-increases-on-powhite-parkway-downtown-expressway-go-into-effect-sept-1/amp/


This is the first time RMTA has increased tolls since 2008. The amount of people on FB and such complaining about the increase is appalling to me, given that the tolls could've (and probably should've) been increased already, plus this will still be some of the cheapest tolls you will find anywhere in the country.

Yeah go to PA and pay the PA Turnpike that goes up annually.
Every day is a winding road, you just got to get used to it.

Sheryl Crowe

74/171FAN

Quote from: Thing 342 on May 15, 2023, 10:55:16 PM
Quote from: plain on May 14, 2023, 11:45:28 AM
Tolls will increase later this year on RMTA's two main facilities: the Downtown Expwy (VA 195) and the Richmond portion of the Powhite Pkwy (VA 76). The max toll for cars will go from 70¢ to 90¢ E-ZPass & $1 cash.

https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/toll-increases-on-powhite-parkway-downtown-expressway-go-into-effect-sept-1/amp/


This is the first time RMTA has increased tolls since 2008. The amount of people on FB and such complaining about the increase is appalling to me, given that the tolls could've (and probably should've) been increased already, plus this will still be some of the cheapest tolls you will find anywhere in the country.

This is in major contrast to tolls on the privately-managed VA-895, which as of this writing have ratcheted up to $5.55 for cars. (A hard bargain in my opinion, given that VA-10 is a viable alternative for traffic going from I-295 to I-85 or VA-288)

I am not so sure on that.  Yes, widening is still ongoing on VA 10, but the amount of traffic on there generally leads me to want to pay the VA 895 toll if I ever came from I-64 EB to I-95 SB east of Richmond (especially during rush hour).
I am now a PennDOT employee.  My opinions/views do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of PennDOT.

plain

Plans are coming out for the Short Pump area. Any of these would be an improvement, let alone all of these. Should be interesting to see what actually unfolds.

https://richmondbizsense.com/2023/05/25/short-pump-i-64-interchange-improvements-plan-clears-vdot-hurdle/
Newark born, Richmond bred

Mapmikey

Quote from: plain on May 25, 2023, 10:13:10 AM
Plans are coming out for the Short Pump area. Any of these would be an improvement, let alone all of these. Should be interesting to see what actually unfolds.

https://richmondbizsense.com/2023/05/25/short-pump-i-64-interchange-improvements-plan-clears-vdot-hurdle/

wonder why they don't want 3 through lanes on Broad St through that I-64 interchange...

plain

Quote from: Mapmikey on May 25, 2023, 11:00:09 AM
Quote from: plain on May 25, 2023, 10:13:10 AM
Plans are coming out for the Short Pump area. Any of these would be an improvement, let alone all of these. Should be interesting to see what actually unfolds.

https://richmondbizsense.com/2023/05/25/short-pump-i-64-interchange-improvements-plan-clears-vdot-hurdle/

wonder why they don't want 3 through lanes on Broad St through that I-64 interchange...

Whatever they decide to do it's most certainly going to involve the reconstruction of the overpasses. It's already a tight squeeze through there.
Newark born, Richmond bred

74/171FAN

Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 09, 2023, 10:21:01 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on May 09, 2023, 10:08:10 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 09, 2023, 08:44:20 PM
I got to drive through the new roundabout on US 250 at VA 151 this morning, and the I-64 references there are numerous.

I have a couple images from when I went through during its construction, back in December. Did VDOT keep any I-81 references?

Yes, I saw one on US 250 WB.

Here is the leftover I-81 reference.  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218792998496550&set=a.10218793136620003)
I am now a PennDOT employee.  My opinions/views do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of PennDOT.

roadman65

Does anyone here know if South Quay Road in Holland, Suffolk is still signed as VA Route 189?

Google hasn't updated the imagery along Business US 58 since 2009 in Downtown Holland. If you visit there you will see that a VA 189 shield was present in 09.  However a lot can change in 14 years.

Also South Quay Road was not captured by the Google car, but from US 58 it appears a Business VA 189 is seen in US 58 images. However zooming in proves useless.

I am aware of VA 189's history that when the Holland Bypass was first opened, it didn't connect to the rest of US 58. So VA 189 got applied to the bypass with South Quay Road in Downtown Holland renumbered to VA 189 Business. VA 189 got removed from Holland when VDOT finally completed the Holland- Franklin Bypass and truncated to its current location. That is why part of the long bypass is still arterial as US 58 took over a preexisting Route 189 and just added a dual carriageway rather than build a redundant freeway nearby.

So in turn was wondering if VA 189 ( and VA 189 Business)signs still exist today.
Every day is a winding road, you just got to get used to it.

Sheryl Crowe

74/171FAN

#6886
^As of 2019, there was at least one VA 189 BUS shield still in Holland.  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218860147175225&set=a.10216218268569911)

And a VA 189 shield coming from US 58 BUS EB.  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218860214816916&set=a.10216218268569911)
I am now a PennDOT employee.  My opinions/views do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of PennDOT.

Mapmikey

Quote from: 74/171FAN on June 07, 2023, 06:01:18 AM
^As of 2019, there was at least one VA 189 BUS shield still in Holland.  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218860147175225&set=a.10216218268569911)

And a VA 189 shield coming from US 58 BUS EB.  (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10218860214816916&set=a.10216218268569911)

There are 2 VA 189 shields on US 58 itself in 2022:
https://goo.gl/maps/V7ByGLtLJxkaBRUj8
https://goo.gl/maps/2GpgytN9nB5kFgfT9

VA 189 Holland still posted as 189 Business in 2022:
https://goo.gl/maps/v3jpPuSgm3Wux6Kw8

dfnva

Quote from: amroad17 on April 17, 2023, 02:44:47 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 16, 2023, 09:45:21 AM
Quote from: Takumi on April 16, 2023, 09:28:55 AM
That might come in later. Not the first time I've seen that though.
That is true, although then I'm not sure why "JCT"  is on the directional signs.
Virginia usually does not use "JCT" signs for US and State highways when approaching intersections.  "JCT" (or even "JUNCTION") is used mainly for Interstate Highways and secondary highways.  From what I observed living in the state for 22 years, was that there would be no "JCT" placard above the SOUTH US 29 and NORTH US 29 signs.  There would be the two sets of signs--the first with left and right turning arrows and the second with left and right straight arrows.  Has this policy changed?

When I reported a lack of signage for VA-234 on US-29 North approaching and at the intersection to VDOT, the result was the installation of a "JCT" sign with a VA-234 shield before the intersection and installation of trailblazers for VA-234, US-29, and I-66 at the intersection. Unfortunately, they're not on the GSV as they were installed in the summer or fall of 2022.  I was surprised as I've rarely seen "JCT" signs for such purposes in the state.

Mapmikey

Quote from: dfnva on June 15, 2023, 07:34:45 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on April 17, 2023, 02:44:47 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 16, 2023, 09:45:21 AM
Quote from: Takumi on April 16, 2023, 09:28:55 AM
That might come in later. Not the first time I've seen that though.
That is true, although then I'm not sure why "JCT"  is on the directional signs.
Virginia usually does not use "JCT" signs for US and State highways when approaching intersections.  "JCT" (or even "JUNCTION") is used mainly for Interstate Highways and secondary highways.  From what I observed living in the state for 22 years, was that there would be no "JCT" placard above the SOUTH US 29 and NORTH US 29 signs.  There would be the two sets of signs--the first with left and right turning arrows and the second with left and right straight arrows.  Has this policy changed?

When I reported a lack of signage for VA-234 on US-29 North approaching and at the intersection to VDOT, the result was the installation of a "JCT" sign with a VA-234 shield before the intersection and installation of trailblazers for VA-234, US-29, and I-66 at the intersection. Unfortunately, they're not on the GSV as they were installed in the summer or fall of 2022.  I was surprised as I've rarely seen "JCT" signs for such purposes in the state.

Decades ago, JUNCTION signs were the norm in Virginia at primary route intersections.  Today only District 4 has routine use of them, and those are mostly at secondary routes with a crossroad.  Of course, interstate and other freeway junctions do use JCT almost universally.

Here's another modern one, in Waynesboro:  https://goo.gl/maps/UUudkRaEYQcXTEAb7
This JCT sign was installed sometime after 2012:  https://goo.gl/maps/93iMFTRgmjRr8SJ89


Here are a couple legacy examples that made it to the digital camera era.  The 11-460 set was replaced around 2010 but the VA 316 one was still up in latest GMSV (2014):


Adam Froehlig, 2007


Mapmikey, 2007

dfnva

Quote from: Mapmikey on June 16, 2023, 09:12:54 AM
Quote from: dfnva on June 15, 2023, 07:34:45 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on April 17, 2023, 02:44:47 AM
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 16, 2023, 09:45:21 AM
Quote from: Takumi on April 16, 2023, 09:28:55 AM
That might come in later. Not the first time I've seen that though.
That is true, although then I'm not sure why "JCT"  is on the directional signs.
Virginia usually does not use "JCT" signs for US and State highways when approaching intersections.  "JCT" (or even "JUNCTION") is used mainly for Interstate Highways and secondary highways.  From what I observed living in the state for 22 years, was that there would be no "JCT" placard above the SOUTH US 29 and NORTH US 29 signs.  There would be the two sets of signs--the first with left and right turning arrows and the second with left and right straight arrows.  Has this policy changed?

When I reported a lack of signage for VA-234 on US-29 North approaching and at the intersection to VDOT, the result was the installation of a "JCT" sign with a VA-234 shield before the intersection and installation of trailblazers for VA-234, US-29, and I-66 at the intersection. Unfortunately, they're not on the GSV as they were installed in the summer or fall of 2022.  I was surprised as I've rarely seen "JCT" signs for such purposes in the state.

Decades ago, JUNCTION signs were the norm in Virginia at primary route intersections.  Today only District 4 has routine use of them, and those are mostly at secondary routes with a crossroad.  Of course, interstate and other freeway junctions do use JCT almost universally.

Here's another modern one, in Waynesboro:  https://goo.gl/maps/UUudkRaEYQcXTEAb7
This JCT sign was installed sometime after 2012:  https://goo.gl/maps/93iMFTRgmjRr8SJ89


Here are a couple legacy examples that made it to the digital camera era.  The 11-460 set was replaced around 2010 but the VA 316 one was still up in latest GMSV (2014):


Adam Froehlig, 2007


Mapmikey, 2007

Speaking of legacy "JUNCTION" signs, I think this is my favorite (with it spelled out and everything):  https://goo.gl/maps/EaAZH6tRb7BVTJFy7
It's on Fairfax Co. SR-617 (Backlick Rd) northbound in Springfield. There is another one southbound. Both of these replaced incarnations with white-border SR-1155 shields sometime in the 1990s. I can't think of anywhere else in northern Virginia with spelled-out "JUNCTION" sign like these.

1995hoo

Quote from: dfnva on June 16, 2023, 12:38:25 PM
Speaking of legacy "JUNCTION" signs, I think this is my favorite (with it spelled out and everything):  https://goo.gl/maps/EaAZH6tRb7BVTJFy7
It's on Fairfax Co. SR-617 (Backlick Rd) northbound in Springfield. There is another one southbound. Both of these replaced incarnations with white-border SR-1155 shields sometime in the 1990s. I can't think of anywhere else in northern Virginia with spelled-out "JUNCTION" sign like these.

The one going the other way might not be long for this world (if it's still there).
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Mapmikey

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 16, 2023, 01:32:27 PM
Quote from: dfnva on June 16, 2023, 12:38:25 PM
Speaking of legacy "JUNCTION" signs, I think this is my favorite (with it spelled out and everything):  https://goo.gl/maps/EaAZH6tRb7BVTJFy7
It's on Fairfax Co. SR-617 (Backlick Rd) northbound in Springfield. There is another one southbound. Both of these replaced incarnations with white-border SR-1155 shields sometime in the 1990s. I can't think of anywhere else in northern Virginia with spelled-out "JUNCTION" sign like these.

The one going the other way might not be long for this world (if it's still there).

This reminded me of another legacy posting in Pampa (Gloucester Co).  This lasted to at least 2009 but is gone now.


Mapmikey 2006

1995hoo

"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Mapmikey

#6894
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 23, 2023, 11:46:59 AM
I found some nice old pictures of Shirley Highway. Enjoy!

http://www.virginiaplaces.org/transportation/shirleyhighway.html

This is a nice page.  It also has links to the photo galleries which i've never seen before - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1426849

Some good stuff in there...

US 50 Bypass, shown on commercial maps, was posted in Virginia - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234115985
A US 240 posting in Virginia from 1952 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116195 also https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116201
Actual US 240 shield, though this is actually in DC - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234115969
A US 1 ALT posting from pre-VA 110 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116009
1950 predecessor to the famous US 1 ALT BGS in Fredericksburg - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116063
1952 Bowers Hill interchange - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116111
A 1953 error sign...the US 15 and 29 shields should be swapped https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116233
US 250-VA 240 jct in 1951 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116093
large SR 613 posting from Seven Corners 1947 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116027
I have never seen a sign photo like this in Virginia...diagrammatic sign of Fredericksburg area approaching south beginning of bypass...1950 photo includes a VA 51 shield (now VA 208) - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116065
1951 photo of Fairfax Circle, with a VA 237 shield included - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116091

adding more:
VA 17-55 split in Delaplane, undated - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116019
excellent VA 12 shield assemblies in Front Royal 1950 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116071 and https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116069
VA 55 east end, 1947 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116025
how gaps in the Blue Ridge Pkwy were signed, 1950 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116081
how traffic circles were signed, 1952.  This is US 301 at VA 205 - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/234116101
unusual SR 609 posting - https://catalog.archives.gov/id/205733459

1995hoo

^^^^

Regarding the sign whose style you've never seen in Virginia, there is now something similar (but white-on-green, naturally) on westbound Route 236 in Fairfax City approaching the area where the road used to split into twinned one-way streets.

I don't have a picture, so here's a Street View link. It's outside the shopping center where the good bagel place is and where the X-rated video rental place used to be.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kWS5ajz99uCr51vo8?g_st=ic

There is an equivalent sign (arrows and street pattern flipped, of course) on the eastbound side on the other side of Old Town a Fairfax. That one's harder to see on Street View due to sun glare, so I won't bother with a link.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

WillWeaverRVA

#6896
I was messing around with the VDOT LRS Route Master ArcGIS map and noticed something odd: There is an orphaned segment of VA 244 in Arlington County near the Pentagon that runs from the Pentagon South Parking Lot to Joyce St (including the VA 27 Pentagon interchange). It's also shown this way on the VDOT LRS Route Overlap map, which ONLY shows VDOT-maintained roads. The change date is January 2023. Not sure if this is an error in their system or if VDOT really did redesignate this segment as part of VA 244 (which was otherwise truncated to the Arlington-Fairfax county line).
Will Weaver
WillWeaverRVA Photography | Twitter

"But how will the oxen know where to drown if we renumber the Oregon Trail?" - NE2

74/171FAN

In regard to Travel Mapping, we discussed the odd situation with VA 244 last year (https://forum.travelmapping.net/index.php?topic=4904.msg28175#msg28175).  I am unsure what would have been changed this year.
I am now a PennDOT employee.  My opinions/views do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of PennDOT.

sprjus4

For those traveling to/from the Hampton Roads area using either US-58 or US-460... Suffolk now has active speed cameras installed along two work zones along both routes. One on US-58 through the 35 mph widening west of the Suffolk Bypass, and another along US-460 northwest of the city in a 45 mph zone. Both areas can be very tempting / easy to speed without realizing it, especially that very low 35 mph zone on US-58, so use caution with cameras now in place.

https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/suffolk/heads-up-warning-period-over-for-suffolk-speed-cameras-tickets-being-issued

wriddle082

Quote from: sprjus4 on June 30, 2023, 11:29:32 AM
For those traveling to/from the Hampton Roads area using either US-58 or US-460... Suffolk now has active speed cameras installed along two work zones along both routes. One on US-58 through the 35 mph widening west of the Suffolk Bypass, and another along US-460 northwest of the city in a 45 mph zone. Both areas can be very tempting / easy to speed without realizing it, especially that very low 35 mph zone on US-58, so use caution with cameras now in place.

https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/suffolk/heads-up-warning-period-over-for-suffolk-speed-cameras-tickets-being-issued

Thanks for the tip.  I'm probably gonna be headed through there next Sunday or Monday.



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