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A Virginia Department of Transportation hearing in Christiansburg on June 17 reviewed plans for an upgrade to the Interstate 81 corridor from Ironto to Christiansburg. Officials stated that the volume of daily vehicular traffic is expected to increase to 40,000 in 2035 from about 20,000 today. With the high cost of oil, the anticipated daily use by 40,000 vehicles in 2035 could be much too large. A great widening of the road could look like a big boondoggle when reviewed in 2035.

VDOT claims it is following the direction of the Commonwealth Transportation Board to implement safety improvements. But the additional widening is much more than is required for safety and operation. VDOT was asked to stop highway widening projects on I-81 until the results of a freight rail study are completed. A freight rail alternative could substantially reduce truck traffic on I-81.

A notice of the public hearing appeared in The Roanoke Times Current on June 14 ("Public hearing set for I-81 truck lane"). The public was then given until June 27 to make comments on the project, ("Residents offer comment on I-81 truck lane plan," June 19 ). A two-week time period following notice of the public meeting is hardly sufficient for the public to give proper consideration to a project of this scope.

Diners will spend in Christiansburg

I am very disappointed with Blacksburg Town Council's decision concerning Sonic Drive-In and do not understand the objections ("Council says no to Sonic," June 11 Virginia section). As a frequent customer of the Christiansburg Sonic, I haven't noticed loud music, nor have I noticed an unusual increase in exhaust fumes from cars as most vehicles park, and cut off engines.

I find it extremely difficult to reconcile the council's decision in light of the current existence in Blacksburg of eight fast food establishments with drive-through windows and speakers, one of which is on South Main near the new development.

According to long-term Blacksburg residents, a Lendy's restaurant existed on South Main Street in the early 1970s that had outdoor speakers for each parking space, very similar to Sonic.

I have lived in Blacksburg for nearly 25 years, and over time I have watched businesses leave town. My husband and I are great fans of Sonic, and we were looking forward to the day we could actually frequent an establishment in Blacksburg. How sad for those of us in Blacksburg who are tired of traveling to Christiansburg for our wants and needs.

I guess we will continue going to Sonic, and Christiansburg will continue to get more of our money.

Blacksburg doesn't want your business

The facts as I understand them as to how and why Sonic Drive-In was banished from Blacksburg are:

The Planning Commission approved the project;

Sonic was going to be on U.S. 460 Business;

Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth (BURG) declared victory because Sonic would have created traffic, noise and light pollution on this busy street;

There are already many other stores, including Hardee's, Wendy's (both of whom use loudspeakers), a gas station/convenience store and a liquor store in the area; and,

There are more than 30 vacant stores along Main Street.

This isn't about Sonic. Rather, it's about town council's and BURG's discouraging businesses from staying in and coming to Blacksburg. It seems as if they are trying every approach they can to subvert the First & Main development and keep Blacksburg a sleepy town.

Will BURG and the town council declare final victory when tumbleweeds are blowing through the near-empty town streets that house tattoo parlors, banks, a few restaurants and a head shop?

I hope that the answer to this question is no, that the town council will realize that growth and change are essential to the survival of Blacksburg, and that the majority of residents support bringing more businesses and jobs into town.

Sonic is eco-friendly

For years I have loved going to Sonic Drive-In. I go to the one in Christiansburg about once per week. When the Blacksburg Town Council questioned whether Sonic is ecologically friendly, it showed that most of the members had never gone to the establishment.

I think that the Sonic may be one of the most eco-friendly restaurants. Sonic buildings are probably one-fourth the size of other restaurants, resulting in much less energy use. Furthermore, at other restaurants cars in the drive-through wait in line burning gas. From my experience at Sonic, cars generally pull in and turn the engine off.

If I were Sonic, I would be more upset at the council for questioning eco-friendliness than for turning the building permit down in an area zoned for commercial use.

I guess I will continue to burn gas going to get pineapple milkshakes, chili cheese dogs and the best onion rings in the world.

While I am in Christiansburg, I may as well stop at Kroger to get some low-cost gas. But that is another town council story.