ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, May 4, 1996 TAG: 9605060130
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA
Riders of Blacksburg Transit buses Monday will have to plan their day's schedule in advance, but they won't need money to get from start to finish.
As cyclists race to the finish line for the Tour DuPont, buses will move people on detour routes and at a slower pace given the expected traffic and pedestrian congestion.
A news release issued by Blacksburg Transit said all bus rides will be free Monday. The bus line encourages spectators to take the bus to areas near the race route.
The following route changes will be in effect:
* The Virginia Tech Mall area will be closed to traffic all day.
* Riders who would normally board the bus at Squires Student Center stops should use the library plaza and Brodie Hall stops.
* The North Main, Windsor Hills, Toms Creek Loop A, and Two Town Trolley buses will stop at Brodie.
* South Main, Hethwood, special-purpose housing, and the campus circulator buses will stop at the library plaza.
* While Main Street is closed, during mid- to late afternoon, buses to and from South Main Street and Windsor Hills as well as the Two Town Trolley will run on a detour parallel to Main Street. These buses will make courtesy stops. Heavy traffic on the detour will slow bus service from 3 to 6 p.m. Riders should take an earlier bus than usual to arrive at their destination on time.
* During the race finish - 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. - Harding Avenue, Owens Street and East Roanoke Street will be closed. Windsor Hills route service will begin when the streets reopen. Other routes will continue with major delays expected on South Main Street.
* By 6 p.m., service should resume with all routes stopping at the library plaza and Brodie stops on campus.
* The campus circulator buses will shuttle riders from the Tech commuter lot on Price Fork Road, the "I" lot on the Duck Pond Drive near the veterinary school, or the stadium lot off Southgate Drive every 30 minutes. People parking in the "I" lot also may take the special-purpose housing route bus that runs every 30 minutes.
Call 961-1185 for information.
LENGTH: Short : 47 linesby CNB