Most of us would just as soon not be compelled to spend time in a jail cell.

But, given the popularity of tourist attractions such as Alcatraz Island, apparently plenty of people have some curiosity about what goes on inside a real lockup.

New River and Roanoke Valley residents will get a chance to see what a state-of-the-art jail is like from the inside when the new Western Virginia Regional Jail is opened for tours Friday.

Between 1 and 4 p.m. visitors will be escorted through the facility on what is officially its opening day, although no inmates will be housed there for a couple of weeks.

Earlier in the day, an invitation-only dedication ceremony will be held for dignitaries from each of the four localities -- Franklin, Montgomery and Roanoke counties and Salem -- that built the jail.

While that event won't be open to the public, the jail itself will be that afternoon.

Employees will show off the jail's minimum, medium and maximum security areas, video teleconferencing capabilities, massive kitchen area, medical facilities and warehouse operation.

The building boasts numerous "green" construction touches -- including salvaging rainwater from the 6-acre roof and storing it underground for use in washing clothes and vehicles, as well as skylights for natural lighting throughout the otherwise windowless secure area.

No reservation is required for a tour. The jail is at 5885 West River Road, Sale. To get there, take Interstate 81 exit 132 at Dixie Caverns. Go to 11/460 and turn west and pass Dixie Caverns. Turn left on West River Road, then left again just before the railroad tracks onto a gravel access road.