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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 25, 1992                   TAG: 9203250263
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MARK LAYMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BYPASS MONEY UP TO VOTERS

Much support was voiced for the proposed new U.S. 460 bypass between Christiansburg and Blacksburg during Tuesday's hearing of the state Transportation Board.

But little was said about a proposed expressway linking Blacksburg and Virginia Tech with Interstate 81 - the so-called "smart road."

However, money to start construction of the expressway wouldn't come through the state's ongoing six-year plan for highway construction but from the federal government and a transportation bond issue proposed by the General Assembly. The bond issue would be sent to the voters in November if Gov. Douglas Wilder signs the bill authorizing it.

"We're definitely behind it," said Jim Hopkins, chairman of the transportation committee of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, referring to the smart road. "But it needs to be addressed in the bond issue," not the six-year plan.

Del. Joan Munford, D-Blacksburg, didn't mention the smart road when she spoke. But, she said afterward, "I mentioned the bond package, and it's in there."

But state Sen. Madison Marye, D-Shawsville - who tried to remove money for the smart road from the bond issue - warned the Transportation Board to "avoid projects which are perceived to be pork barrel" in the bond issue.

"Pork barrel" is exactly what the expressway would be, Mary Rhoades of Blacksburg told the board. It is "absolutely unnecessary," and there are cheaper alternatives to alleviate traffic congestion and speed travel to and from Tech, she said.

Ed Wesely of Blacksburg, president of the New River Valley Environmental Coalition, echoed that and said there was little support for the smart road in Montgomery County.

The new federal transportation bill includes $5.9 million for the expressway.

And if voters approve of the bond issue in November, the smart road would be one of 21 projects around the state that would get a share of leftover gasoline tax money. That would allow construction of two lanes, Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton, has said.

The bond issue also would include $28 million for the new U.S. 460 bypass.

Supporters say the expressway between Blacksburg and I-81 would speed travel between the Roanoke Valley and Blacksburg and would build a psychological bridge between the two communities. The road also would be used to test "smart" highway technology aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving safety.

by CNB