Energy demand is on the rise globally, and this is predicted to continue in coming decades. Increasing energy production to meet this demand requires materials — both metals and non-metal minerals — from a number of countries. As some materials are in short supply, it is important to consider material dependency and availability when developing national energy plans for the future. This study is the first to address material dependency effects on a nation’s energy development plans, with the UK and Turkey as case studies.

EU pesticide regulations have encouraged farmers in developing countries to adopt alternative pest management practices and employ safer means of handling pesticides, according to a recent study which investigated green bean farming in Kenya.

Natura 2000 sites may not be adequately protected in Eastern Europe, according to a recent publication. Researchers in the Czech Republic found that, despite being designated as a Natura 2000 site, environmentally damaging activities continued in the Šumava National Park. They recommend that good environmental education is needed to help post-communist countries implement Natura 2000 and better recognise its value and importance.

A new analysis calls for clear policy guidelines to be adopted in developing countries to direct the development of genetically modified crops which could help contribute to greater food security in developing countries.

Homeowners in 22 markets across the country can get a free cash offer to sell their home with no hassle and a flexible closing date

During the past 20 years or so, there has been a resurgence in downtowns in cities across the United States. Kansas City is no exception. Developments like the Sprint Center, Power and Light District, KC Streetcar and multiple housing structures have changed the fabric of downtown Kansas City, making urban living a more viable lifestyle […]

MELFA – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites the public to attend a hearing on Tuesday, August 28, to learn about and comment...

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This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

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CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation will close Route 672 (Blackwell Road) to through traffic while crews rehabilitate the bridge...

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will open the new overpass on Mudd Tavern Road tomorrow , Oct. 23  in...

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ⸺ Route 3 in Lancaster County has reopened to through traffic between Route 201 and Route 600 in the Lively area. The road...

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ⸺  Route 202 (Hampton Hall Road) in Northumberland County reopened to through traffic today following an emergency repair...

  FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – (7 a.m.) An early morning crash has closed all lanes on Route 1 southbound and one lane on Route 1 northbound at Austin...

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – All lanes are now open on Route 1 at Austin Park Drive in Stafford. An early morning crash closed Route 1 southbound and...

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COLONIAL HEIGHTS —The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a public hearing for a proposed rehabilitation of the Route 46...

FAIRFAX, Va. – Rolling lane closures are planned to occur in both directions on I-66 between Route 29 in Gainesville and Sudley Road (Route 234...

NEWINGTON – Backlick Road at the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) intersection between Cinder Bed Road and Terminal Road will be closed nightly...

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A left lane closure is in place on US 460 East, Richmond Highway, in Campbell County for bridge repairs due to a vehicle strike.

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This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

This file is in PDF format, requiring the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open.

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SALEM – As part of the ongoing construction to replace the bridge over Back Creek on Route 220, an extended lane closure has been scheduled for next week. The bridge is near the intersection of Route 657 (Crowell Gap Road and Winter Drive).  Beginning Monday, October 8 at 9 a.m., the right northbound lane of Route 220 and the crossover at Crowell Gap Road will be closed until Wednesday, October 10 at 5 p.m. to pave a segment of the roadway that will connect to the new bridge. Drivers traveling on Route 220 northbound into Roanoke should expect significant delays on Route 220 during this time and are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly. The bridge replacement is expected to be complete in spring 2020. For updates on this project and other traffic impacts and lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .

SALEM – Route 220 north and south at Route 419 (Electric Road) in the Southern Hills area of Roanoke County is closed due to flooding. Drivers will need to seek alternate routes as the road will remain closed until the water recedes. Message boards are in place to alert motorists of the closure. Roads throughout the area may also experience flash flooding conditions as heavy rains continue through the evening. Drivers should use caution, drive with care and expect delays on their commute home from work today. If you see water across a road, turn around. Do not attempt to cross and or go around barricades that have closed a road. The Virginia Department of Transportation will be monitoring road conditions overnight. To report road conditions and downed trees, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD. For updates on this lane closure and others around the district, visit www.511Virginia.org . Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates in our region at @511southwestva and @VaDOTSalem.

SALEM – The left lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. The lane closure begins approximately one mile prior to  the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road).   Drivers should prepare for travel delays and plan accordingly. Message boards are in place to alert motorists of the closure. The Virginia Department of Transportation is currently investigating to determine what repairs need to be made. The lane will remain closed until further notice.   For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .

SALEM – The recent flooding and heavy rainfall has resulted in several slope and shoulder failures along Route 220 in Roanoke and Franklin Counties. During the next week, crews will be working to repair the damage and commuters and travelers will be impacted. Route 220 Southbound between Buck Mountain Road and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County The right lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure on the right shoulder of the road between Buck Mountain and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County.  High water from the heavy rains caused a rock slide that impacted the shoulder of the roadway. The weight caused the shoulder to collapse resulting in the road being pushed out and giving way. The right lane closure will remain in place through Monday evening, weather permitting. Crews are developing a plan to repair the pipe and plan to begin work over the weekend.   Route 220 Southbound at Franklin County Line The left lane of southbound Route 220 has been closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. VDOT crews have been working to determine how a pipe under the road has failed and how to proceed with repairs. At this time, the ground continues to settle and move, therefore, the lane will remain closed through the weekend and into Monday . The lane closure is located approximately one mile prior to the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road).  Route 220 Shoulder Repairs There will be alternating right and left lane closures on southbound and northbound Route 220 next week, weather permitting, to repair shoulders that have been damaged by the heavy rainfall. Drivers using Route 220 southbound and northbound should plan ahead for significant delays during this time until repairs can be made and lane closures are removed. Drivers should plan ahead accordingly. For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .

The on-ramp and off-ramp between northbound Interstate 81 and Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) at exit 220 in Augusta County are scheduled for overnight closures and detours during the week of October 21-25, 2018. A northbound I-81 right-lane closure will also be in place during this time period. These traffic restrictions allow milling and paving of existing ramps, and an extension of the acceleration lane from Route 262 to northbound I-81.

 A portion of Route 602 (Walkers Creek Road) in Rockbridge County will be closed for bridge work at a tributary to Walkers Creek.  The closure begins on October 29 at 8 a.m. and lasts until November 9 at 5 p.m. 

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a Citizen Information Meeting concerning improvements to the intersection of Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) and Route 613 (Spring Hill Road) in Augusta County. The meeting will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, November 8 in the South Board Room of the Augusta County Government Center, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482. VDOT will make a brief presentation at 4:15 p.m.

This week motorists should expect delays in the vicinity of Interstate 64 exit 87 westbound at Interstate 81 exit 221 southbound in Augusta County. There will be bridge deck work on the southbound ramp bridge from I-64 westbound to I-81 southbound. The right lane will be closed.   

Traffic delays are possible Thursday through Saturday, November 1-3, at the intersection of Route 340 (Lord Fairfax Highway) and Route 50/17 (John Mosby Highway) in Clarke County. Milling and paving operations on both highways require alternating lane closures as follows:

Significant traffic delays are possible for about two weeks beginning Monday, November 5, on Route 602 (East Point Road/Maryland Avenue) at the bridge over the South Fork Shenandoah River. These traffic restrictions are needed during the final phases of rehabilitation of the bridge, which is at the Rockingham-Page county line near the town of Shenandoah.