Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 25, 1995 TAG: 9504250085
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
R.S., Roanoke
A: There will be one exit for all for a while.
Roanoke has asked the Federal Highway Administration to approve a limited exchange on Interstate 581 about a mile south of Hershberger Road.
Federal approval could come as early as this fall, according to Roanoke City Manager Bob Herbert.
The city hopes the interchange will be open for the 1996 Christmas shopping season.
If this request is handled at the usual pace, the federal answer can be expected in about six weeks.
The intersection, if approved, probably would take years to build.
The interchange would consist of an exit from I-581 northbound, and serve as an entry into the Valley View Mall area. Also, there would be an exit from Valley View that would cross over I-581 and merge with its southbound lanes.
That's half an interchange, but if it's approved, it would serve to relieve the added pressure of the expected Wal-Mart traffic.
A study showed that up to 650 more cars would be using Hershberger Road and Valley View Boulevard at the peak daily hour with Wal-Mart open.
Safe crossing
Q: Why is there a 25 mph school zone with a crossing guard on Virginia 419 at a site where you can't see a school or child?
D.G., Roanoke
A: Twenty-two school buses enter the intersection at Hidden Valley Junior High each morning and afternoon.
The crossing guard and the 25-mph flashing lights on the hills and curves of 419 prevent a tremendous traffic jam at best, and numerous rear-end collisions at worst, said Robert Woolwine, transportation supervisor for Roanoke County schools.
Cyberspace is ... ?
Q: Can you please run a definition of cyberspace? I've never seen it defined in any dictionary or any publication. They just talk about it.
Mrs. L., Roanoke
A: Cyberspace just sort of exists without being anywhere.
We couldn't find a published definition of it, either.
Its root word seems to be cybernation, which means using computers to replace humans in the control of manufacturing processes. We're talking robots here.
Cyberspace is a leap beyond brainless machines, though.
It basically refers to the realm of electronic communication that's achieved on the global network of computers and telephone circuits called the Internet.
Cyberspace is more than the Internet, though; it includes all the ways computers can be connected with one another. Cellular phones, radios, microwave communications, satellites and all sorts of wireless stuff can be employed in the workings of cyberspace.
The most important element of cyberspace is the human mind that produces the thoughts, even the dreams, that can be relayed to other minds through these communications.
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