Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Editorial: This meeting is worth braving Exit 150
Plans are in the works to improve the interchange. Understand which would work the best.
From the RoundTable blog
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Usually, we resist suggesting anyone drive through the Exit 150 interchange on Interstate 81, especially during rush hour. But for the Virginia Department of Transportation's Thursday meeting, we make an exception.
VDOT officials plan a meeting at Lord Botetourt High School from 5 to 7 p.m. to present six alternative plans for alleviating congestion at the intersection. Few will be able to drive to the meeting without encountering the delays and accompanying frustration that prompted the gathering.
The Daleville-Troutville interchange is a congested mess. Unchecked growth and poor planning created the problem, which is complicated by a large truck stop that adds substantially to the volume of traffic. VDOT estimates it will take about $20 million to build its way out of the mess. Some fixes take a few million more; others cost considerably less.
One plan, at $13.7 million, would have VDOT simply purchase and shut down the 13-acre truck stop and a smaller one across U.S. 11. Nothing else.
That alternative could alleviate congestion problems at Exit 150, but it would likely create one at another place along the system. Truckers need to pull off somewhere, and it isn't as though Virginia welcomes them these days with public rest areas to use.
The other five alternatives offer a mix of closing and building ramps that would each carry advantages and disadvantages to commuters and truckers. It is important for the people who use the road to attend the meeting, learn about each proposal and then point out the benefits and shortcomings to VDOT officials.
VDOT started with 10 plans, whittled them to six and will most likely eliminate others as it moves forward. While construction funds won't appear in the agency's budget for five more years, the design of the project will advance in the interim.
It's important for truckers and car drivers alike to shape the process now. If you can't attend the meeting, you can still offer comments: Send e-mail to saleminfo@VDOT. virginia.gov with "Exit 150 Access Management Citizen Information Meeting Comments" in the subject line.
If you do attend the meeting, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to deal with traffic.
