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One of Virginia's deadliest roads, I-81, should see improvements Date published: 9/29/2005
ROANOKE--For anyone who travels Interstate 81, the recently passed federal transportation act is welcome news. Congress dedicated $142 million for safety improvements to Virginia's 325 miles of the interstate--the largest single earmark for any highway project in Virginia and one of the largest in the country. Those funds, combined with over $160 million already allocated by the Virginia Department of Transportation, mean that after years of study and debate, significant improvements to this dangerous and overcrowded road are finally on their way. Nearly three years ago, the STAR Solutions team submitted to VDOT a comprehensive proposal under Virginia's Public-Private Transportation Act to widen I-81 and work toward separating truck and passenger traffic. That plan called for the improvements to be paid, in part, by truck tolls. Virginia law prohibits tolling of passenger vehicles. Federal dollars also were part of the proposed funding plan. The PPTA encourages private companies to bring forward creative solutions to meet the state's pressing transportation needs. In return, the private sector shares the risk, and the reward, associated with building new roads. Last year, after numerous public hearings and a thorough analysis of two competing proposals, VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet decided to move forward with negotiating an agreement with the STAR Solutions team. At the same time, VDOT, in cooperation with the federal government, initiated a study required by law to fully analyze the environmental and historical resources impact of widening the interstate. The results of this study will determine exactly the types and scope of improvements allowed for 81. For years, Virginians have waited patiently for major improvements to begin on this deadly road. Hardly a day goes by without a report of a serious or even fatal accident. I-81 was never designed to handle the volume of traffic--both car and truck traffic--it now carries. Our polling data shows that improving I-81 is widely popular. The idea of separating cars and trucks enjoys a 75 percent approval rating. Truck tolls are also viewed favorably. People who live
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