FHWA PROVIDES $100,000 FOR SAFETY ENFORCEMENT ON ROUTE 15 IN VIRGINIA

Federal Highway Administration
February 12, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 12, 1999
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Tel.: 202-366-5580
FHWA 9-99

Federal Highway Administrator Kenneth R. Wykle today joined U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (Va.) to announce that the federal government will provide $100,000 to the Virginia Department of Public Safety Division of State Police to enhance safety enforcement efforts on Route 15 in Loudoun County, Va., northwest of Washington, D.C.

"These funds demonstrate once again our partnership with states and President Clinton’s commitment to safety as the highest transportation priority," U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater said. "The grant will help make Route 15 safer for law enforcement officers and motorists in Loudoun County."

The funds, which Wykle said could go for steps such as enhanced traffic enforcement and increased truck safety inspection activities, are from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"This money will provide immediate ability to ease the safety problems along Route 15," Wykle said. "We stand ready to support state and local officials as we work together to ensure the safety of motorists and law enforcement officers."

"I am pleased that the Federal Highway Administration has taken this step to help improve highway safety in Loudoun County," Wolf said. "We need to do everything we can to make Route 15 a safer road for all—personal and commercial vehicles alike."

Route 15, from Interstate 66 near Haymarket north to Route 7 near Leesburg, is narrow, with no shoulder space to allow officers to conduct safety enforcement activities at the roadside. The Virginia Department of Transportation is planning roadway improvements along the corridor. In the meantime, motorists on Route 15 will benefit from increased police presence as roadway engineering changes are planned and implemented.