By: Jimmy Smith

Jimmy Smith — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:03:55 +0000

Our current roads are fine – we do not need the environmental destruction and we are taxed enough already. It is about time that the 99% of us stand up and say NO to the free-spending 1% elite ruling class. I drive all over Virginia and the mid-Atlantic – there are no major traffic problems in the NRV. Fralin wants a road and expects the rest of us to pay for it – No thanks!

By: Quality

Quality — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:46:14 +0000

I agree completely – the Smart Road makes absolute sense, and more so given that a substantial part of the project has already been completed. (I am reminded of Roanoke’s silly request to bring to fruition the half completed interchange at Valley View). Did they really need to embark on completing that project? Its all in the eye of the beholder.
The Roanoke Times seems to be missing the point that for years we’ve been steadily expanding I-81 all be it way too slowly to simply play catch up on an already over-burdened stretch of highway between Roanoke and Blacksburg/Christiansburg. These two urban areas are destined to continue growing closer together and with so many commuters heading both directions daily PLUS the tens of thousands of vehicles that pass through the area daily from other states…and the very real potential of intermodal landing at the mid-point between ROA + NRV we will see the traffic count grow exponentially in the next 10 years. It is happening and you can’t deny that fact. VDOT needs to get both directions from 460 Bypass to 581 upgraded with one lane in each direction the entire length AND as a part of setting good transportation in place complete the Smart Road link. This will pull thousands of cars off the Interstate at an earlier point than Cburg Mountain and will only help to disperse and reduce burden at various points along the 81 Corridor. Also with the long-term plan of 73 piggybacking on 81, the Smart Road link also helps plan for increased traffic.

Comments on: Smart Road link is just plain smart

By: Jimmy Smith

By: Quality