Lawrence Transportation Systems of Botetourt County has acquired William Edwards Inc., a freight carrier based in Verona. Here is a press release from Lawrence:

Lawrence Transportation Systems Inc. announces its intent to purchase the assets and ongoing trucking operations of William Edwards Inc., a Verona, Virginia based freight carrier. William Edwards Inc. will continue its warehouse operations in Verona and its dedicated fleet operations in Covington, Virginia. William Edwards began in the trucking business in 1971 and has 48 state common and contract carrier authority, but primarily serves the east coast.

Lawrence Transportation is committed to providing the highest level of customer service in all of its businesses. The synergies of the two companies will ensure that William Edwards Inc. customers will received the same level of service. Both of these Shenandoah Valley companies share the goal of continuing the current operations with the same exemplary leadership that Bill Edwards has provided for almost 40 years. Lawrence Transportation looks forward to serving all of William Edwards’ customers for many years. Read more »

A public hearing will be held Aug. 31 in Roanoke to discuss a proposed through-truck restriction on Route 116. Here is a press release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on a proposed through-truck restriction on the 12.6-mile section of Route 116 (Jae Valley Road/Jubal Early Highway) that extends between Route 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway) in Franklin County and Route 809 (Sunnyvale Street) in Roanoke County.  The hearing will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Elementary School located at 3216 Mount Pleasant Boulevard in Roanoke. Read more »

There is a computer system problem that has halted driver’s license transactions at DMVs across the state. Other types of transactions are being processed normally. Here is a press release from the DMV:

Due to a statewide computer system problem, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is currently unable to process driver’s license transactions inside its 74 customer service centers in Virginia. Customers who can renew licenses through another service option are encouraged to go online at www.dmvNOW.com, or use the automated telephone service at 1-888-337-4782.  The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) is working to resolve the server problem that is affecting 24 different state agencies including the Alcoholic Beverage Control, Virginia Employment Commission, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Virginia Department of Transportation.  VITA has not reported a recovery time.

At DMV, all other types of transactions, including vehicle decals and titles, transcripts, etc. are being processed normally.

An independent audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation Research Council had six recommendations for the Governor. Here is a press release from the Governor’s Office:

Governor Bob McDonnell recently received the results of an independent review of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Research Council. The audit was one of four performance audits of Virginia’s transportation programs called for by the Governor and approved by the 2010 General Assembly. Delegate Joe May (R-Loudoun), who serves as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, championed the effort in the General Assembly. Results of the audit, released to Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton, include six major recommendations to improve the value of Virginia’s transportation research program. Read more »

Side view of the Perry Street Parking Deck with one of the four glass encased stairwells in the foreground.

Virginia Tech’s Perry Street Parking Deck is scheduled to partially open today, in time for the first week of classes. Here is a press release from the university:

A partial opening for Virginia Tech’s first parking deck (http://www.facilities.vt.edu/pdc/parking_structure.asp) is scheduled for today.

There will be approximately 800 spaces available, with the remainder of the garage expected to be open by early October.

Faculty, staff, and visitor parking will be available on levels one and two. Commuter/graduate parking will be available on levels three, four, and five.  A valid university parking permit will be required. Read more »

A public hearing will take place Aug.31 for those how wish to comment on a proposed through-truck restriction for Route 116 in Roanoke and Franklin Counties. Here is a press release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing on a proposed through-truck restriction on the 12.6-mile section of Route 116 (Jae Valley Road/Jubal Early Highway) that extends between Route 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway) in Franklin County and Route 809 (Sunnyvale Street) in Roanoke County.  The hearing will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Elementary School located at 3216 Mount Pleasant Boulevard in Roanoke.

This hearing is being held to provide an opportunity for citizens or organizations to give VDOT input on the proposed restriction on Route 116.  VDOT representatives will be present to discuss the proposed restriction and to answer questions. Read more »

The Federal Aviation Administration has granted the Virginia Tech-Montgomery County Airport $5,649,021 to improve its runway. Here is a press release from Rick Boucher’s office:

U.S. Representative Rick Boucher announced today that, at his urging, the Federal Aviation Administration, through its Airport Improvement Program, is providing a federal grant in the amount of $5,649,021 to the Virginia Tech-Montgomery County Airport to make much needed improvements to the airport’s runway.

“The federal funds will enable the airport to make much-needed improvements to its runway, which has deteriorated due to age and frequent use.  The airport is critical to the economy of Montgomery County, and improvements to the runway are necessary to ensure the airport will continue to operate safely and efficiently,” Boucher said. Read more »

Tom Dingus

A new tire research center, created by Virginia Tech and General Moters, will be established in Halifax County. The center will create 183 new jobs by 202o. Here is a press release from the university:

Virginia Tech announced today the establishment of the National Tire Research Center (NTRC), an advanced tire research and test facility to be established in Southside Virginia.

The facility is a partnership between the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (http://www.vtti.vt.edu), General Motors (GM) Company, the Department of Mechanical Engineering (http://www.me.vt.edu/) in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering (http://www.eng.vt.edu/), the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (http://www.ialr.org/) (IALR), the Southside Virginia community, and the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Relations Revitalization Commission.

Funding for the center will total $14 million with $5 million provided by GM, $5 million from the Tobacco Commission and $4 million from Virginia Tech. Read more »

Additional Virginia airports have received federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve safety, including Lynchburg Regional Airport. Here is a press release from Senators Webb and Warner:

U.S. Sens. Jim Webb (D-VA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) announced today that Virginia has received nearly $3 million in grants to upgrade runways and increase airport safety at four regional airports in Virginia. The U.S. Department of Transportation grants will fund projects intended to enhance safety and bring airports up to Federal Aviation Administration standards. The projects include renovating runways, improving drainage systems, replacing escalators and conducting wildlife hazard assessments.

“Regional airports provide much-needed access to parts of the state outside of metropolitan areas,” said Senator Webb. “This funding will ensure that regional airports in Virginia can maintain proper safety standards, upgrade outdated infrastructure, and improve security controls.” Read more »

Senator Jim Webb has introduced a bill regarding airline practices such as hidden fees and mishandled baggage. Here is a press release and copy of Webb’s legislation:

Senator Jim Webb today introduced the Airline Baggage Transparency and Accountability Act in response to passengers’ concerns about unfair airline practices regarding hidden fees and mishandled baggage. In 2008 and 2009, airlines reported approximately $7.9 billion in revenues from baggage fees and reservation change and cancellation fees–the two largest sources of fee revenues.

“In recent years, airlines have been adding various fees to the total ticket prices, often without fully disclosing these additional costs to customers,” said Senator Webb. “In addition, airlines have exploited a tax loophole which enables them to avoid paying taxes on these fees. This not only adds confusion to purchasing tickets, but also reduces funding for our nation’s vital air traffic control system.” Read more »