Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell on Friday approved the sale of almost $500 million in bonds to advance VDOT and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation projects, including several miles of truck-climbing lane on Interstate 81 north in Rockbridge County.
McDonnell also has directed VDOT to sell $293 million in bonds in fiscal year 2011 and another $300 million in each fiscal year from 2012 through 2016 as part of a six-year improvement program.
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaugthon said almost $10 million of bonds approved by McDonnell will be used for the I-81 project, which involves a seven-mile stretch of the northbound part of the interstate between milemarker 195 and 202.
In addition to the truck-climbing lane, the project will replace bridges at routes 716, 712 and 710 and improve existing left and right shoulders. The project’s cost is more than $74 million, and ground was broken on it in October. The completion date is 2012.
Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge, said the truck-climbing lane will improve traffic through Rockbridge County, as well as for people commuting to work in either Staunton or Waynesboro from Rockbridge County.
“I think this is the solution for congestion in the immedate future,” said Cline, who added that truck-climbing lanes help with bottlenecks and steep inclines. Long-term, Cline said, more strategic widening and rail might be needed to deal with I-81.
McDonnell said during difficult economic times “it is important to use every tool available to maximize funding options for our roads, bridges, rails and public transportation.”
The bond sale approved by McDonnell also will be used for major Virginia transportation projects such as Dulles Metrorail and Norfolk Light Rail.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement