THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 4, 1996 TAG: 9601040004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
As you recently reported, traffic counts have increased substantially at key bridges and tunnels in Hampton Roads. Transportation experts are unable to explain the ``sudden and mysterious'' increases and are worried that major roads will not be able to keep pace with future growth.
One obvious piece to the puzzle is the unremitting population growth within the region which puts more and more drivers on the highways. Studies of automobile travel patterns in other locations have found that on urban commuter expressways, traffic congestion rises to meet maximum capacity. New and improved highways invite drivers who would otherwise not be inclined to drive or who would ordinarily utilize optional routes.
This process continues until traffic congestion increases to maximum capacity. The lesson to be learned is that construction of more highways in densely settled regions like Hampton Roads is not likely to reduce congestion and may actually cause it.
LEONARD RUCHELMAN
Virginia Beach, Dec. 22, 1995 by CNB