Interstate 83 (fantasy) extension into Virginia

[jeff22152]

I support another north-south Interstate through central Virginia. Traffic volumes on I-95 are becoming increasingly unsustainable -- especially since both local and long-distance traffic utilize the roadway. Recent projects have alleviated some of the gridlock in certain areas (e.g., Springfield Interchange, HOT Lanes, etc.), but they are not sufficient enough to meet the long-term demands of the corridor.

Presumably, a new road would also have to utilize a new bridge and a new alignment into Maryland, where it would tie into I-95 in or around Baltimore. One could even make the argument that such a road could extend northeast towards New York and New England -- perhaps following the alignment of U.S. Route 202. Since we're talking fantasy, why not talk big?

A new Interstate through central Virginia would certainly open the door to economic opportunity, but it would not guarantee economic success. Economic success would depend on how well the local jurisdictions along the corridor worked with each other, the state, and private stakeholders. Do they transform the corridor into a vibrant center of commerce and innovation, or do they allow a corridor of gas stations and greasy spoons to emerge?

[Gardner222]

Originally Posted by LM117

It would be nice if something like this could happen here.

Public-private partnership locks down land in Triad in hopes of attracting auto plant :: WRAL.com

I always assumed the Martinsville-Danville area was ripe for an auto plant. I cant understand how NCs amazing Governor
McCrory(a republican) can get so much done in that state as far as job creation. It could be NCs falling corporate tax rate.
Vas Governor McCauliffe is proposing a corporate tax rate of less than 6% to compete. Guess what? So far our REPUBLICAN
General Assembly is already against it! Playing politics is more important and doing NOTHING to help this state!!

[Gardner222]

Originally Posted by jeff22152

I support another north-south Interstate through central Virginia. Traffic volumes on I-95 are becoming increasingly unsustainable -- especially since both local and long-distance traffic utilize the roadway. Recent projects have alleviated some of the gridlock in certain areas (e.g., Springfield Interchange, HOT Lanes, etc.), but they are not sufficient enough to meet the long-term demands of the corridor.

Presumably, a new road would also have to utilize a new bridge and a new alignment into Maryland, where it would tie into I-95 in or around Baltimore. One could even make the argument that such a road could extend northeast towards New York and New England -- perhaps following the alignment of U.S. Route 202. Since we're talking fantasy, why not talk big?

A new Interstate through central Virginia would certainly open the door to economic opportunity, but it would not guarantee economic success. Economic success would depend on how well the local jurisdictions along the corridor worked with each other, the state, and private stakeholders. Do they transform the corridor into a vibrant center of commerce and innovation, or do they allow a corridor of gas stations and greasy spoons to emerge?

The state is not focused on the future. We assume government money will always be there for us. There is potential for
growth in central, western and especially SW Va but these areas have no voice in state politics.