Architect's rendering

Roanoke County officials broke ground Tuesday on a $3 million fire and rescue station that is expected to improve response times.

The North County Fire and Rescue Station, to be built near the intersection of Hershberger and Plantation roads, is expected to decrease the call volume to the Hollins station, said Jennifer Conley Sexton, spokeswoman for the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department.

The Hollins station, on Barrens Road just off Peters Creek Road, receives nearly one-third of all the county's fire and rescue calls, Conley Sexton said.

The station covers an area with numerous nursing homes and schools, as well as Hollins University. Staff at the Hollins station also respond to wrecks on Interstates 581 and 81.

North County's growing commercial areas, and the aging population, have contributed to the increased call volume, Conley Sexton said.

When the Hollins station is overwhelmed with calls, other stations from the county, Vinton and the city of Roanoke are called as backup.

Officials hope the new station will reduce the need for assistance from outside North County.

Construction on the new station is expected to be completed in July 2009. The Hollins station will remain open when the new station is finished.