Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, January 4, 1994 TAG: 9401040017
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ray Reed
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: That's a continuous traffic-count station. The data is figured into snow-removal priorities, among other things.
There are 98 continuous-count stations in Virginia, in locations selected because they represent the average daily traffic in the area.
Another 1,050 of these unpainted aluminum boxes, lacking solar panels, are activated along multilane highways every three months to count traffic for 48 hours.
New highway projects are planned using this data, but that's not all. Maintenance budgets are based on these statistics, accident rates per mile traveled are calculated, and state police assignments are made.
Several state and federal highway agencies use the data, including the Federal Highway Administration and state Department of Transportation - which installed the boxes and provided this information.
\ Overpressurized
Q: Why has the water pressure increased in my house, which is near Mud Lick Road? It was causing my water heater to release water and pressure, and I had to install a pressure-reduction valve. J.E., Roanoke
A: You're in a pressure-boosted area, says Craig Sluss of the city Water Department.
Your neighborhood is low-lying, and the pressure in water mains is higher there so water can be propelled up to your neighbors who live on hills farther down the line.
Pressure in the water main along your street could be as high as 100 pounds, especially in the morning. That's because water tanks in your area build up their supply overnight, so everyone's shower will have an awakening sting.
Homes where the pressure exceeds 80 pounds should have a pressure-reduction valve. Sluss said the pressure-release valves on water heaters usually have to be replaced once they start releasing water - which also happened in your case.
\ Rail time, nation's time
Q: I saw on TV that railroads in the late 1800s established four time zones in this country. What did we do before that? T.J., Smith Mountain Lake
A: Prior to 1883, when railroads asserted their influence on time, each locality set its clock by the sun. The first transcontinental railroad was confronted with almost 100 different local times.
\ No Spring Hollow view
I made a 40-mile trip with my family to visit the Spring Hollow reservoir overlook only to find "closed" signs on it. When will it be open again, and is there a number I can call ahead to be sure? G.S., Bedford
A: One visitor got stuck in the snow and dug himself out with great difficulty, so the overlook was closed until the weather improves. Call the Roanoke County Utility Department at 387-6104 between 8 and 5 Monday-Friday.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB