Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/42794
logbook Virginia progresses toward tolling I-95 Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Sept. 19 said the Federal Highway Administration has granted the state preliminary approval to toll I-95 under a pilot program if it meets certain conditions. The state estimates it could generate $250 million over the first five years of the toll program and over $50 million annually afterward. The state would use toll revenues to finance capacity expansion and operational and safety improvements. Examples of potential projects include widening I-95 between I-295 and the North Carolina border, enhancing Intelligent Transportation Systems and installing over-height detectors on bridges, the Virginia Department of Transportation said. Virginia will be one of only three states in the Interstate Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program with authority to toll Interstate facilities after it completes studies and meets other statutory requirements, the state said. As part of this approval, the state dropped preliminary plans to toll I-81, a statement said. — Staff reports TRADE USING SURFACE TRANSPORTATION between the United States and Canada and Mexico rose 11 percent in June over a year earlier to $ 77.5 billion, the U.S. Department of Transportation says. A WEIGHT-LOSS CONTEST aimed at truck drivers and other trucking industry workers is being sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, which is partnering with Lindora Clinic. Prizes will be awarded to the fleet and individual achieving the greatest percentages of weight loss. Further information is available at Truckload.org. NICHOLAS LEWIS, a driver for Swift Transportation, is a Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel. On July 31, Lewis was driving through a construction zone on I-70 in Lawrence, Kan., when a car attempted to pass him along the shoulder of the highway. When the shoulder ended, the driver swerved in front of Lewis, who steered into a ditch to avoid a collision. Lewis and his truck were OK. 70 OVERDRIVE OCTOBER 2011 TRUCKING OPPORTUNITIES Circle 221 on Reader Service Card or visit overdrive.hotims.com SHOR T HA ULS