Beginning Friday, the Virginia Department of Transportation will launch a new interactive Web map to provide information about long-term construction projects that may affect travelers on Virginia’s interstates and primary highways.

The information, once contained in a printed brochure called “Road Construction Ahead,” allows motorists planning trips through the commonwealth to identify potential construction delays.

Users can also call 511 or log onto 511Virginia.org to get real-time traffic information, including details on construction lane closures and incident delays and to find alternatives that make their travels faster and easier.

VDOT previously issued the road construction information in a printed brochure three times a year and distributed it at Virginia’s interstate welcome centers and rest areas. The new interactive online Road Construction Ahead resource will be updated every four months as well.

“This change reflects VDOT’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact and costs of printing brochures and fliers while ensuring that motorists receive the important construction and traveler information they need to travel safely through the commonwealth,” says Jeff Caldwell, VDOT’s chief of communications.

VDOT is also developing electronic communications tools for its interstate rest areas and welcome centers to provide visitors to those facilities with potential construction and delay information.