NORFOLK, Va. – August 15, 2012

Michael Baker Jr., Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE MKT:BKR), announced today that it has been awarded a $1.3 million contract by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the planning and preliminary design of a unique intersection concept known as a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI).  The purpose of this innovative design is to alleviate congestion without the cost and community impacts of a full grade-separated interchange.

The project is located at the intersection of Military Highway (a 15-mile, four-lane roadway in eastern Virginia) and Northampton Boulevard.  Due to rapid residential and commercial development in the area, the highway has become highly congested carrying an average of more than 50,000 vehicles per day. 

The goal is to reduce traffic congestion at the signalized at-grade intersection by eliminating the left-turn conflict with oncoming traffic, allowing traffic that is not turning to flow more continuously through the intersection. A signalized left-turn bay is placed several hundred feet before the intersection, allowing the left-turn vehicles to cross over the opposing through movement while it is stopped. 

“The CFI at the intersection of Military Highway and Northampton Boulevard will be the first of its kind in Virginia,” said Baker’s Paul M. Prideaux, P.E., vice president and project manager. “Baker is pleased to be the chosen firm to deliver the planning and design for this innovative solution.”

The contract includes travel demand forecasting and traffic micro-simulation, in addition to geometric design, signal design, hydraulic design and surveying for the new intersection.  Baker will be coordinating and planning a public hearing, as well as hosting community meetings to inform the public, obtain input, and generate public support for the CFI intersection. Baker’s work will develop the project to a point that will allow it to be constructed using the design-build method.  Construction funding has not yet been identified for this improvement.

Michael Baker Corporation (http://www.mbakercorp.com/) provides engineering, design, planning and construction services for its clients’ most complex challenges worldwide.  The firm's primary business areas are architecture, aviation, defense, environmental, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, oil & gas, rail & transit, telecommunications & utilities, transportation, urban development and water.  With more than 3,000 employees in over 100 offices across the United States, Baker is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.

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Contact:
David Higie

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