The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted 12-to-1 Wednesday to fund the controversial Western Bypass around Route 29.
The board voted to allocate an additional $230 million to fully-fund the bypass and a second project that would widen Route 29 from Polo Grounds Road to Hollymead. Lynchburg and Danville have long fought for the bypass but the project has snagged because of opposition from Charlottesville.
Governor McDonnell says it's time to build the bypass. McDonnell said, "We've got some money now, let's get things done. If it's on the six year plan and it's funded then let's get results, let's not dilly-dally around. It takes so long to build roads in Virginia. So yes, I'm pushing VDOT and the secretary to get things done."
No other road projects in the area were guaranteed funding even though the Metropolitan Planning Organization asked the state for that money.
"They were pretty non-responsive to our, you know, statement that we would want our local initiatives paid attention to and funded before we would even consider a bypass," said Charlottesville MPO Representative Kristin Szakos.
Tim Hulbert with the Charlottesville-Albemarle Chamber of Commerce stated, "That will make the roads safer and more conducive to the economic vitality that we all enjoy here."
As they did last week in Charlottesville, supporters and opponents of the bypass showed up in Richmond Wednesday.
Opponents to the bypass say it's not a prudent investment because it will disrupt neighborhoods and it will not have a significant impact on traffic volume on Route 29. They have also argued the process has moved too quickly
Those supporting the bypass stressed this compromise and construction is the right choice.
