Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 10, 1994 TAG: 9411100073
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: It could have been the governor, whose limo bears that number. Gov. George Allen was in Abingdon recently, Police Chief Cecil Kelly said.
However, you also said the plate might have carried a couple of words in smaller type. That opens up the possibilities to nearly 50 people.
Police and the DMV can no longer disclose license numbers to the public because of a new law, but the DMV could say that 48 boards-Board of Medicine, Board of Dentistry, Board of Education, etc.-have their own series of license plates.
That's potentially 48 No.1's, a DMV spokesperson said.
Skywalk access
Q: If a person is walking on Jefferson Street at Norfolk Avenue after the skywalk is completed, how will a person at street level get from one side of the tracks to the other without having to go up into the First Union Tower? W.N., Roanoke
A: The pedestrian walkway will have an escalator to Market Street, one block east of Jefferson. It won't be necessary to enter First Union Tower to reach the enclosed walkway.
Access also will be provided from Shenandoah Avenue north of the railroad tracks. An elevator will rise from street level to the tower.
Bob Bengtson, city traffic engineer, said the surface-level pedestrian crossing will be closed at the railroad's request for safety reasons.
Webber bridges
Q: Are there any plans to resurface the overpasses on the Roy L. Webber Highway, particularly over Wonju Street and the Roanoke River? They seem to be deteriorating. A.S., Roanoke
A: Yes.
That's the good news; the other side of the story is: all the Webber bridges-four in each direction-probably will be limited to one lane while the decks are repaired.
The highway will be widened to six lanes at the same time the bridges are fixed.
The Transportation Department expects work to get under way next spring. Let's hope you won't be sorry you asked.
Engines' future
Q: Since Norfolk Southern has discontinued steam-train excursions, will engine 1218 be put back into operating condition as planned? If so, will the 1218 and engine 611 be maintained in running condition? Where will they be stored? W.N., Roanoke
A: The railroad isn't 100 percent sure where either steam engine will end up, said Robert Lovelace, an NS manager.
The huge 1218 is in retirement in Birmingham, Ala., where it was taken a couple of years ago. There would be a cost involved in getting it into running condition.
The 611 recently made its last excursion run in Roanoke.
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