HB 2313 was passed approximately two years ago and allocated a $4 billion increase in transportation funding. As we conclude the second year of this increased transportation funding, we are already experiencing the ways it is helping to keep the Commonwealth moving forward.
There are three important ways improving transportation affects Virginians.
- Improved quality of life
- Decreased congestion and increased mobility and safety
- Increase economic activity, including new jobs and revenue
Improved quality of life for Virginians
The amount of time Virginians spend on the roads and the ease of a trip directly affects quality of life. One way to decrease time on the road is the ability to choose a predictable trip. Traffic congestion on I-95 in Northern Virginia often becomes so severe that one accident has the potential to add hours onto a trip. The opening of the I-95 Express Lanes in December 2014 allows drivers to choose a predictable commute when they pay an EZ-Pass toll in order to use these new lanes. These lanes may ease a driver’s worries and may reduce travel times as compared to the main interstate.
Decreased congestion and increased mobility and safety
Not only do Virginians want to make it to and from work in a timely manner, but also without incident. The I-64 capacity improvements, for which the Segment I contract was awarded in February, will immediately relieve congestion by increasing the interstate from four lanes to six in the Newport News area. The Dominion Boulevard project, in Chesapeake, VA, which is approximately 57 percent complete, is designed to provide increased mobility; this plan includes widening the road, which drivers can use to connect with Virginia’s interstate highways. The Route 29 Solutions project, in the Charlottesville-Albemarle County region, which began construction in February, will provide increased safety through adaptive traffic signal control technology. This technology can be controlled remotely in case of public events or emergency incidents.
Create increased economic activity, including new jobs and revenue
Transportation projects should benefit the Commonwealth not only when completed, but throughout the construction stages as well. Looking back at the completed I-95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia, we know the benefits of their use, but we can also reflect on how their construction supported nearly 12,600 jobs in Virginia, used the services of more than 500 businesses and generated approximately $1.5 billion in economic activity.
As we pass the planning stages and continue with the construction phases of many of Virginia’s transportation projects, we should take note of how a better transportation system keeps the Commonwealth moving forward.
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