Western Transportation Corridor
(Update June 2010)
Alliance Position:
Construct limited access parkway and tranist corridor connecting I-95 south of Prince William County with Gainesville, I-66, Dulles Airport and Leesburg in Virginia and I-270 in Maryland.
Recent Status/Chronology:
During the 2009 General Assembly session, Delegate Tom Rust of Northern Virginia secured unanimous General Assembly approval for H.B. 2019, which directed the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to develop corridors of statewide significance as part of their transportation planning responsibilities.
As a follow up, Virginia's Long-Range Multimodal Transportation Plan (VTRANS 2035) final report to the Governor and General Assembly later that year acknowledged the significance of increased interstate capacity around the Washington, D.C. area as a key strategy to unlocking the crippling gridlock in the I-95 corridor.
Subsequently, Delegate David Albo joined with Delegate Tom Rust to introduce H.B. 277 in the 2010 Virginia General Assembly directing the Commonwealth Transportation Board to identify and protect an alternative transportation corridor around Washington. The provision was reported from House Transportation Committee, but was left in House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee by a vote of 2-Y 5-N.
Most observers agree the vote was not a reflection of the merit of a Western Corridor, but based on the $4 billion state deficit and H.B. 277's estimated $9 million cost over three years to cover NEPA requirements.
Most Immediate Need:
Re-engage the Commonwealth in indentifying and protecting a corridor for a limited access, north/south parkway connecting I-95 Gainesville and Leesburg in Virginia with I-70/270 in Maryland. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the best corridors to the construction of new homes and commercial structures.
For More Information:
For past Alliance alerts regarding the Western Transportation Corridor, click here.
Northern Virginia Transaction 2030 Plan
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Profile
10 Reasons to Build the Western Corridor