I-66 Transportation Improvements on the Horizon
By Krystle Weeks | Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 | Policy
I-66 is one of the busiest transportation arteries in Northern Virginia, and yesterday, Governor Bob McDonnell announced that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will continue its support of his efforts to reduce congestion on I-66. The CTB advanced $61 million in I-66 projects in a six year improvement program.
Governor McDonnell said in a statement, “I-66 represents a significant transportation corridor in Northern Virginia that must be improved to address congestion, maintain economic viability and improve quality of life. Addressing the transportation challenges that clog Northern Virginia’s roadways will require innovative thinking, dedicated and sustained investments, and a long-term vision. I am encouraged that the CTB is continuing to take actions that support this effort.”
Some of the suggested improvements include:
- a $10.2 million contract to complete the first of three spot improvements on I-66 inside the Capital Beltway. This project will connect the current westbound acceleration/deceleration lanes between George Mason Drive and Sycamore Street. Construction on this project is to begin later this summer.
- The second and third improvements will occur between Haycock Road and Westmoreland Street, and between Lee Highway and Glebe Road.
Additionally, there are two studies that will review future improvements for I-66, including:
- Increased public transportation options
- Increased High Occupancy Tolls (HOT Lanes) and High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV)
- Additional road improvements
With Governor McDonnell and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) discussing ways to improve I-66 in Northern Virginia, will this continue to expand to other areas of the Commonwealth experiencing traffic congestion? The Hampton Roads region also experiences the same traffic headaches as well.
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About the author
Growing up in Maryland typically does not yield a Republican. Fortunately, Krystle Weeks was one of the lucky few booted to the Commonwealth for her staunch conservative views. From an early age, she has been debating politics, and since 2006, she has been involved here in the Commonwealth helping Republican candidates to victory. Aside from politics, Krystle is a runner and a dynamite cook. You can email her here. Krystle also blogs at Crystal Clear Conservative and Charm Offensive Cooking.
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6 Responses to "I-66 Transportation Improvements on the Horizon"
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Of course Hampton Roads own Bob McDonnell forgets about the HRBT!
Three cheers for Gov. McDonnell! He’s following through on campaign commitment to improve transportation in Northern Va.
Democrats in Arlington have been fighting tooth and nail against the I-66 improvements for decades. But the truth is, the project would actually BENEFIT Arlington (less congestion on I-66, less diversion onto local streets), as well as the rest of the region.
It is great to have a Governor who stands up for progress in Northern Virginia, rather than kowtowing to the noisy local elected officials around here who want to raise taxes and block progress.
I too am pleased to see the CTB make this allocation, but frankly, it is not news; because our funds for construction are so limited, only interstate projects that are ongoing and ready for construction can be funded. In a few years, all of our federal money for construction will be used for maintenance. We are in such a dire state in regard to transportation that the Governor said it threatens his economic development goals. His 26 point transportation plan is in tatters, so what now? The CTB is studying a policy of abandonment for state routes because they can’t repair and maintain them. Bill Howell, do you see your legacy? The destruction of our transportion system. Is that the best you can do?
Never fear, relief is here.
$2 billion worth.
“Last August, the U.S. Export-Import Bank issued a ‘preliminary commitment’ letter to Brazil’s state-run Petrobras in the amount of $2 billion, with the promise of more to follow. . .
These [U.S.] taxpayer dollars finance exploration of the huge offshore discovery in Brazil’s Tupi oil field in the Santos Basin near Rio de Janeiro”
Why is necessary to send $2 billion dollars worth of US and Virginia taxpayers money to a FOREIGN OIL COMPANY?
To create new jobs in Brazil?
I think that the US has had enough problems with foreign oil companies.
Lets spend our tax dollars here in the good old USA to repair our aged and crumbling infrastructure.
And create new jobs for out of work American and Virginian citizens.
http://redcounty.com/hands-across-sand-linked-brazils-oil-company-petrobras/41302
America, The Beautiful : Ray Charles ’91
A little music to calm the savage beast,caniche enloquecido del sexo
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