
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 4, 1992                   TAG: 9203040292
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

OF ROADS AND LOCAL ATTITUDES

HOW MANY Transportation Board members does it take in Virginia to decide what to do about a crowded bypass?

If it's in Charlottesville, it takes four: one to decide a new bypass is needed; one to plan the public meetings as far away from the Albemarle estate owners as possible; one to lead a debate team on whether it will be called the Jefferson bypass or the Monroe bypass. The last member alerts the developers so they can start planning to develop the new bypass.

If it's in the Blacksburg area, it also takes four: one to decide a new bypass is needed; one to call up Virginia Tech so they can help make it a smart road; one to pick the name (1 through 9 with A, B or C after it). The last one checks with residents along the new road and decides not to have development or interchanges (unheard of in Charlottesville).

Of course, when West Virginians see two roads together, and it's for traffic heading in the same direction, we ask what improvement could possibly be needed. SAM C. TOWLER PETERSTOWN, W.VA.

by CNB