Transportation Alternatives in Hampton Roads (Dec08)
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Notes from the presentation: with all six (6) MPO projects built, the simulations provided showed that congestion in 2030 would improve over the “no-build” scenario, especially on Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) and James River Bridge (JRB), but still exists and is significant. Roads would be free flowing with today’s population, but increased population causes ongoing congestion.
The only alternative that reduces Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) congestion to 100% capacity is the addition of 8 lanes to HRBT.
Conclusions – 1. Failure to act is not an option 2. All alternatives significantly improve local and incident-induced congestion 3. Of the 6 alternatives, only the “Third Crossing” improves conditions at HRBT (but still exceeds capacity) 4. Only HRBT expansion can relieve both local and incident induced congestion at HRBT but combining HRBT with Third Crossing greatly improves congestion.
The intent of the study was to examine projects individually for the “best bang for the buck.” Results indicate that the planners did a good job of creating the best system, and the projects can’t truly be evaluated individually. The exception is the Mid-Town Tunnel which has an immediate impact by itself and should be constructed as soon as possible.
Also noted was the possibility to include capacity management technologies (information, incentives, and rail, for example) along with construction projects in the studies and the need to be ready to claim infrastructure stimulus money from the Obama administration.
Delegate Oder made a motion, and it was passed unanimously, to introduce legislation to expand the study to include construction of a bridge-tunnel parallel to HRBT from I-564/Terminal Blvd to I-64 in Hampton as a possible alternative to expanding HRBT in its current footprint or building the Third Crossing, as proposed, and the expansion of I-64 to I-295 and create priorities for the projects.
For more information, see:
HJR 194: Transportation Network of Hampton Roads
http://dls.state.va.us/pubs/legisrec/2008/hjr194b.htm
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The nation's public transportation systems saw the largest quarterly ridership increase in 25 years. More Americans shunned their automobiles even as gas prices began to ease.
Subways, buses, commuter rail and light-rail systems saw a 6.5% jump in ridership from July to September, according to the Washington-based American Public Transportation Association. During the same quarter, Americans drove 4.6% less on the nation's highways.
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