THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 20, 1996 TAG: 9608200004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 57 lines
Hampton Roads' lifeblood flows on I-64 - the region's only interstate.
Tourists drive here on it. Goods from the ports depart in trucks on it. Residents would flee a hurricane on it. A manufacturer considering building a plant here must be assured that raw materials can be trucked in and finished products trucked out.
Regrettably, only so much lifeblood can flow down a few lanes of interstate.
The Virginia Department of Transportation predicts a 50 percent increase in traffic on the 75 miles of I-64 between Hampton and Richmond over the next 20 years. That's far more lifeblood than the present road can carry. Widening projects are under way on the Peninsula. But they will be inadequate before they're finished.
In short, plaque is building on Hampton Roads' main artery, and everyone knows what happens when an artery clogs.
A $2.2 million study began this month to determine the best way to keep I-64 from Hampton to Richmond free-flowing.
Recommendations aren't due for 18 months, but it's reassuring to know that the study will examine more ways to ease traffic than merely adding lane after lane after lane to I-64.
Staff writer Debbie Messina reported Thursday that a consultant will consider light rail, car pool or High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, express bus lanes, restricted truck lanes, ramp metering and even on-board computers in cars.
As things stand, the interstate is being widened from four to six lanes in some sections, with plans for eight lanes.
``As we move toward starting on eight lanes,'' said VDOT spokesman William J. Cannell, ``we need to look how we would use those additional lanes. Or do we need to build them at all?''
Charles F. Cayton, project manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas Inc., which will do the study, said, ``We need to determine which combination of modes best serves the regional needs.''
Rail lines offer intriguing opportunities.
CSX operates a rail line parallel to I-64 from Newport News to Richmond. Newport News is studying using the section of the line between it and Richmond to carry passengers.
A state commission is considering a high-speed rail system between Richmond and Washington, D.C.
A study of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway, completed last spring, recommended a light-rail system. Although intercity bickering has put the project on hold, it isn't dead yet.
Also in South Hampton Roads, a study group is considering another bridge-tunnel connecting the south and north sides. That tunnel could include a rail line.
In fact, if that so-called ``third crossing'' isn't built, South Hampton Roads traffic will have a dickens of a time just getting to North Hampton Roads, let alone to I-95 or Richmond. And if the third crossing fails to include space for a rail line, the ommision will haunt the region well into the 21st century. by CNB