VDOT prefers current planned route for I-73 vs. Henry County alternative

Earlier this month, VDOT officially supported the current FHWA approved route for I-73 through Henry County vs. a recently completed study alternate route proposed by the Henry County Board of Supervisors. VDOT has suggested to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) that the alternate route not be studied further.

The CTB has not made a decision on whether or not they will consider the alternate route for futher study.

VDOT's biggest concerns is that the alternate route costs more. But their biggest concern is that any further study of the route could delay and ultimately jeopardize the project. The current approved route for I-73 was cleared by the FHWA in 2004. However, the Henry County Board of Supervisors wants the route closer to Martinsville. They see I-73 as a key to reviving the local economy and that the current planned route is too far from Martinsville to make a positive impact.

VDOT also is concerned that if I-73 gets changed in Henry County, Franklin and Roanoke Counties will also change the route in their counties which would result in further costs and delays.

For more:
CTB takes up I-73 alternative route ---Martinsville Bulletin
VDOT backs approved route for I-73 ---Martinsville Bulletin

Comments

Anonymous said…

Build I-73 now. if Henry County and Martinsville wants a interstate closer to the town, they can build a interstate spur. I-73 has no planned Interstate spurs and they can build the one that connects to the interstate with the town.

1:29 AM

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