More than $2.5 billion worth of projects advertised in 2013
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has advertised an historic amount of transportation projects, more than $2.5 billion worth, in 2013. This includes the estimated cost for engineering, construction and pavement projects, including pavement rehabilitation, across the state.
“Earlier this year, VDOT made the commitment to advertise more than $2 billion worth of projects this year,” said Governor McDonnell. “I am happy to report they will make good on this promise. More than $2.5 billion of projects have been advertised in calendar year 2013. Our investment in building and maintaining our infrastructure network is of utmost importance to the citizens of Virginia and we are keeping our commitments to them. The Commonwealth is able to move aggressively ahead on projects because of the bipartisan effort to approve historic transportation funding earlier this year. Our 2013 transportation bill represents the largest infusion of transportation funding in Virginia more than 25 years and will help create a safe, efficient and reliable transportation system throughout Virginia, while creating thousands of good jobs at the same time, and growing our economy.”
Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton added, “Our citizens will see more crews on the highways working to build and enhance the transportation network they deserve; one that is safe, reliable, and contemporary and that will efficiently move them through the Commonwealth. This historic amount of advertised work is proof that this new and sustainable funding from the transportation bill has enhanced VDOT’s ability to move projects forward and improve the condition of our roads.”
“The funding is being put to work now to improve and rehabilitate aging roads and bridges and to increase capacity, which will enhance safety and ease congestion,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. “VDOT worked diligently to get an incredible amount of projects advertised this year so Virginia’s transportation network can move traffic more efficiently, improving the quality of life for all of us.”
Of the more than $2.5 billion, about $545 million will go toward repaving roads and pavement rehabilitation, making the existing infrastructure safer and better to drive on. The remainder will go toward increasing capacity and other construction. The amount also covers engineering, which gets projects ready for construction.