ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 13, 1997 TAG: 9703130075
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: EMILY DUNNE THE ROANOKE TIMES
Building a new bridge to Eagle Rock, widening U.S. 460/11 west of Salem and expediting construction of Interstate 73 should be top highway priorities for the region, according to speakers who appeared before the Commonwealth Transportation Board in Salem on Wednesday.
The board held its annual pre-allocation hearing to update its six-year state transportation spending plan.
Among the government officials, business people and residents who spoke was Eagle Rock resident Thomas Myers, who asked the board to replace the outdated bridge that crosses the James River to link his town with U.S. 220. Although Eagle Rock's population is only about 300, he said, the bridge serves a community of several thousand people and is part of a primary road system on which "two factories, two stores and at least three privately owned businesses" depend.
Fincastle District representative Bonnie Mayo said the bridge is a "vital lifeline" for the community, citing letters she has received from clubs, organizations, businesses and unions that favor a new bridge.
"Everyone realizes the importance of the bridge except our VDOT folks," she said.
Botetourt County supervisors will vote Tuesday on whether to accept a plan, proposed by state Transportation Secretary Robert Martinez, for the county and the state to split the $2.5 million it will cost to remove and replace the bridge.
Some supervisors have balked at the plan because it requires the county to commit to completing the project if the state should fail to come through with its full share.
Mayo also asked the board to widen U.S. 220 from Eagle Rock north to the Alleghany County line to prevent accidents.
Many who asked for the widening of U.S. 460/11 west of Salem described the congestion that occurs when traffic is rerouted from Interstate 81.
Another concern for that road, according to Roanoke County Supervisor Spike Harrison, is the truck traffic - which he said will double in the next two years.
Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Henry County, said I-73 is important to youth in Henry County and Martinsville. As an example, Armstrong introduced Jason Petty of Martinsville, a freshman at the University of Virginia.
Petty said he would like to return to Martinsville to work and raise a family, but the recent closing of some Martinsville businesses worries him. But if the state builds I-73, he told the board, "the businesses will come."
Many I-73 supporters wore signs that said, "Future I-73 corridor highway."
Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, said I-73 will add "another spoke in the transportation hub" that will help the mid-Atlantic region as a whole.
The proposed highway would connect Detroit with Charleston, S.C., passing through the Roanoke and Martinsville areas on the way.
Griffith also was one of the few who spoke in favor of the "smart" road in Montgomery County, which he said will lead to great technological developments. No one spoke against the road.
Others asked the board to consider widening Interstate 81 and improving the safety of U.S. 220.
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