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
Unfortunately, there are several groups that object to making these needed improvements. Some believe a new rail network is the solution. Others are opposed to truck tolls. Yet none of these special interests has come forward with its own viable alternative for addressing the obvious overcrowding and other safety problems with the road.
The stark reality is that the problems on I-81 cry out for an innovative solution. It is universally recognized as one of the most treacherous roads in the interstate highway system, and the problem will only get worse in the future.
We are not opposed to using rail as a means to reduce the number of trucks on the interstate. In fact, our plans included spending over $130 million on rail improvements to eliminate more than 500,000 trucks from I-81 each year.
It is wishful thinking, however, to believe a new rail line, parallel to the interstate, will divert a significant amount of freight and passenger traffic from I-81. Such a rail line would cost Virginia billions and currently, there is no source of funding. And even if Virginia did manage to build a new line, what happens when other states don't follow? The idea that trucks will stop at the state line, ship their trailers by rail, and then get back on the interstate north of Virginia is unrealistic.
Finally, rail does nothing to solve the existing and future problems on the overcrowded, aging interstate.
We also find claims that tolls will cause trucks to use local roads dubious and self-serving. Considering the truck-dependent nature of our economy and its demand for the prompt delivery of goods, we are convinced that an improved interstate will not only be beneficial to the trucking industry, but a boost to our economy, as well.
Rising fuel prices are affecting all Americans, and experts are convinced that high gas prices are here to stay. Congestion and stop-and-go traffic waste fuel and cost time, making alternate routes on local roads simply uneconomical.
In its present condition, I-81 will only grow more dangerous and more congested, threatening the safety and quality of life of all who travel it. The time for debating and complaining about the problems on I-81 is over.
We formed STAR Solutions out of a shared desire to make improvements that address the longstanding safety issues on I-81. Our coalition developed an innovative and cost-effective approach to improving a long and dangerous stretch of highway. We are encouraged that Congress and the Commonwealth of Virginia are ready to move forward.
JACK LANFORD is chairman of Adams Construction Company, a member