Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 3, 1993 TAG: 9308030110
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
They were pleased because the traffic nightmare that could have resulted with more than 4,000 motor coaches coming into Blacksburg never materialized.
"Things are going great," Lester said.
Dan Brugh, resident engineer with the Virginia Department of Transportation, said there were some short traffic delays Sunday, but overall the coaches moved onto campus smoothly.
Robert Davidson, who traveled from Vermont to the convention, said he was amazed at how well local officials handled the traffic.
"It was quite a task getting all the motor homes in here, but we didn't have much problem," he said.
The convention, which starts today and runs through Thursday, will feature exhibits, seminars and entertainment for the motor coach owners.
FMCA officials didn't have an official count on the number of coaches, but estimated that about 5,000 coaches - including exhibit vehicles - were at the convention.
There were a few anxious moments Sunday as more coaches than expected arrived and officials had to scramble and prepare fields for them to park in, Lester said.
Paving work on the commuter-student lot on Prices Fork Road wasn't completed, but more than 500 coaches were parked on the gravel lot anyway.
Congestion on campus was heavy Monday as exhibitors finished setting up, tour buses began running and motor homes continued registering for the event.
Downtown Blacksburg also was hopping with convention participants shopping. The three-day convention is expected to pump $10 million into the regional economy.
Secrist said the free bus tours of Blacksburg were so popular that Blacksburg Transit had to bring out an extra bus.
"All the feedback I've gotten has been very positive," he said.
by CNB