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

DATE: SATURDAY, March 19, 1994                   TAG: 9403190134
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHARLESTON, W.VA.                                LENGTH: Short

W.VA. SAYS I-73 PROPOSAL IS COMPATIBLE

Virginia's proposed route for Interstate 73 is compatible with West Virginia's needs, West Virginia Highways Commissioner Fred VanKirk said Friday.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board in Virginia recommended Thursday that I-73 run east from West Virginia along U.S. 460 and south along U.S. 220 to the North Carolina line.

The route is longer and more expensive than following Interstate 77, but supporters say it would bring more economic benefits.

VanKirk has said Bluefield must be on the highway corridor. The route Virginia endorsed Thursday may not pass through Bluefield, but VanKirk said he is not worried.

"We have coordinated with Virginia. Their proposal is compatible with our concept," VanKirk said.

The proposed road would follow U.S. 52 across West Virginia, from Kenova on the Ohio River to either U.S. 460 or I-77 in the Bluefield area, VanKirk said.

The Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce endorsed running the new interstate along I-77 through Bluefield.

by CNB