University of Virginia Library

University Aids
Road Council
Headquarters

By LINDA EICHELBAUM

Construction of a new building for the
Highway Research Council will begin
next month. The building will be erected
on Observatory Mountain, west of the
National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

The $1.3 million building will house
the Highway Research Council which is
jointly sponsored by the University and
the Virginia Department of Highways.
The R.E. Lee Construction Company of
Charlottesville has submitted the lowest
bid, $1,347,031, for the 42,000 square foot
facility. The contract, however, will be awarded
at the end of this month.

The Council, which was established in 1948,
is presently located in scattered places
throughout the University and the
Charlottesville community. Its main offices are
located in the Engineering School, Thornton Hall
with subordinate offices found in such places as
underneath a barber shop.

The new building will be paid for by the
University who is leasing it to the research
council under a fifty year lease. Mid-1973 is the
date set for occupancy.

According to Howard Newlon, the assistant
director of the Research Council, the main
function of the Council is to conduct the
research of the Virginia Highway Department.
The Council is governed by a board consisting
of two members from the University and two
members from the Highway Commission. The
University members are from the engineering
school.

The Research Council has grown from a staff
of six in 1948 to a present full time staff of
sixty. Of these sixty employers half are
professional workers and half are technical and
clerical workers.

In addition to these members, there are
forty temporary staff members including many
students and faculty persons. The council has
supported approximately 75 graduate students
from the University and provided 500 part time
jobs for students over the past years.

The Council's functions are grouped into
research section. Some of these sections are
Highway materials, traffic, safety, data
evaluation, economics-environment, and
structures.

After the new building is completed, Mr.
Newlon stated that classes may be held there if
the situation proves feasible. He said that the
labs and other space would be available to the
University if the logistics of the matter can be
solved. Presently, since the Council is located
in Thornton Hall, many University classes,
especially the Civil engineering ones are using
their facilities.

Photo By Jay Adams

Buildings And Grounds Crews Have Been Endeavoring To Ready The University For Winter's Freeze

However, Mild Weather This Week Has Provided Little Incentive For This Arduous Task On The Grounds