THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 19, 1996 TAG: 9604190509
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Starting today, you now live either inside or outside Virginia's second beltway.
On Thursday, by unanimous decree, the Commonwealth Transportation Board gave final approval to naming 55 miles of Interstate 64 and Interstate 664 as the Hampton Roads Beltway.
It's been more than a year in the making, but there was little fanfare, despite this being only Virginia's second beltway, after the notorious ring to the north that forces everyone to be either inside or outside.
Most of Hampton Roads remains outside its very own Beltway, but that didn't seem to influence Thursday's decision. The loop, however, does touch six of the region's seven cities.
Those who first proposed it say the designation could help unite the region. But, if nothing else, it will end some local road confusion by adding a new nomenclature to driving around.
``We are in a high-tourist area and there has been some confusion expressed over the years for people to know exactly where they were,'' said state Sen. Frederick Quayle, R-Chesapeake, who had the original beltway idea. ``They will now know when they are on this road that they are in Hampton Roads. I think the fact that the Beltway in Washington is so heavily used indicates that the people like using it.''
On some sections of Interstate 64 in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, you are officially driving eastbound as you roll toward the west. You can also drive east in the westbound lanes. Yes. East in westbound lanes.
The Beltway designation, it is hoped, should end that confusion. Now, wayward locals as well as tourists can begin referring to driving in the inner loop (westbound) or the outer loop (eastbound) of the Beltway.
The cost of the Beltway will be minimal. Transportation officials said signs designating the name change will be put up during regular sign maintenance around the region.
This navigational nightmare could fully clear up next month if the Commonwealth Transportation Board approves a major renumbering of the local interstates, including Interstates 64 and 664.
The recommended option would have I-664 run from the Hampton Coliseum south, through Chesapeake and out to the Oceanfront. Route 44 would be renamed I-664 in the process. And Interstate 64 would run only as far south as the current Route 44. Renumbering could cost $700,000.
So today, as you motor ``eastbound'' into the setting sun or ``westbound'' toward the Atlantic, remember the Beltway. Just ignore the signs. ILLUSTRATION: VP Map
by CNB