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

DATE: SUNDAY, March 15, 1992                   TAG: 9203160153
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: F-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STUART P. SULLIVAN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SAVING TIME

IF THE "smart road" will bring increased economic development and growth to the area, then it is an idea worth pursuing. If the reason is to save six minutes or to whisk spectators to and from sporting events at Virginia Tech, then its merits are questionable at best.

There are several bypasses for the Roanoke Valley that should be considered right along with the "smart road." This list is in no particular order of priority:

The previously proposed eastern bypass around Roanoke should be reconsidered. This road would alleviate congestion on Interstate 581 and promote a new corridor of economic development on the eastern side of Roanoke. This would save at least six minutes in getting to U.S. 220 from Interstate 81, and it would allow for more efficient transportation for residents of Botetourt County.

As an extension of the eastern bypass, a road should be built that would connect U.S. 220 to I-81 in Salem. Anyone who travels between Southwest Roanoke and Salem on Virginia 419 will vouch for the validity of such a road and the more than six minutes it will save. If this and the eastern bypass were completed, it would allow for economic development all along this new road.

A sizable number of people who commute into downtown Roanoke each day live in Southwest Roanoke County and Southwest Roanoke city. There is no easy or direct route between those two locations. Ask anyone who lives along Brambleton Avenue or Main Street about the traffic in front of their home each day. A direct bypass would certainly save a minimum of six minutes for commuters.

One of the major tourist attractions of this area is Smith Mountain Lake. Although the lake is only a few miles from Roanoke, it takes a minimum of 25 minutes to get there. A direct bypass of Virginia 24 would save at least six minutes from Smith Mountain Lake to Roanoke.

The fifth logical bypass for the Roanoke Valley would begin east of Roanoke on U.S. 460 and connect with I-581 near the Roanoke Civic Center. As it is, Orange Avenue is a dangerous and overutilized road, resulting in many traffic accidents. This road would allow those who commute to Roanoke from Botetourt County to save at least six minutes on each trip.

If the planners are certain that the "smart road" will benefit the Roanoke Valley in a significant way, it is an option worth pursuing. But let us not overlook pressing infrastructure needs in the Roanoke Valley as well as those in the New River Valley.

Stuart P. Sullivan lives in Roanoke.

by CNB