In case you missed the Phase One I-81 Corridor Study public meetings, you can still provide your input until August 6th.
Email: VA81CorridorPlan@OIPI.Virginia.gov
Call: 804-786-2971
Mail: ATTN: Ben Mannell
1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219
At this phase, the study coordinators are asking for your input about specific spots where you have experienced congestion or have safety concerns. They have data, but as the Deputy Secretary of Transportation said, “data doesn’t always find all the problems,” which is why your input is important. Once they’ve heard from you, the coordinators will compile your input and the data they’ve collected to create some recommended solutions focused on the areas of highest needs. This will be presented at the next round of meetings, currently scheduled for October.
Meeting Recap:
This first round of meetings went really great. We were represented at both the Strasburg and Weyers Cave meetings and there were over 100 folks at each! We learned some encouraging things:
- The study does not consider a destructive wholesale widening of the interstate to 3 or 4 lanes in each direction
- The study IS considering intermodal options, including rail
- The study will also consider parallel routes to ensure local roads are equipped to handle I-81 related traffic without negative impact to those communities
- Potential funding mechanisms will be considered at future meetings, and we think it is promising that the study is committed to identifying specific problems and solutions before considering funding options.
If you’d like to check out the presentation given at the meetings, you can find that here. You can also find our policy recommendations here.