CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- The Virginia Department of Transportation has begun testing a new congestion warning system on Afton Mountain along I-64.   

The alarm has been implemented following a study that was conducted several years ago examining the safety of traffic on Afton Mountain. It was this same study that resulted in the installation of light fixtures on the mountain to aid in traffic flow.

“I-64 is the primary route connecting the eastern part of the state to I-81.” VDOT spokesperson Alexis Breeden said. “The steep grades of Afton Mountain, and the lack of exits between Exit 107 and Exit 99 in the westbound direction and Exit 96 and Exit 99 in the eastbound direction make this area a choke point should a lane-blocking incident occur.”   

Both the eastbound and westbound lanes have been outfitted with detection sensors that note both traffic speed and traffic flow. The alarm will trigger during periods of high volume of traffic, such as holidays, as well as during emergency situations that would cause traffic to slow or stop, such as disabled vehicles or vehicle crashes. 

Testing began Wednesday.

The aim of the system is to advance notice for slowdowns and large stoppages on the mountain to allow drivers to act quickly and in some cases preemptively to keep themselves safe on the mountain, whose road grade can often cause collisions, crashes, and other vehicular emergencies. 

Breeden mentioned the goal of the project is to make sure drivers slow down during congested period of travel over Afton, leading to fewer accidents and fewer disruptions. 

The system is expected to be fully operational by the summer once the testing phase is complete.