| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Ellen Qualls x , (804) 786-2211, 2379 |
NOVA-0000 June 17, 2003 |
Governor Warner announces congestion relief for I-66 in Prince William County
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor
Mark R. Warner
Legislators requested $40 million budgeted
for I-66 widening project be used
for smaller segment
RICHMOND -- Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that I-66 would be widened between Sudley Road and the Route 234 Bypass beginning early next year. The decision was made after a review of available funding at the request of Senator Charles J. Colgan and Delegates Harry J. Parrish and Robert G. Marshall.
The Governor's proposal to widen I-66 is part of a long-planned project to widen I-66 all the way to Rt. 29 (Gainesville) and to reconstruct the Gainesville interchange. Last year, both projects were put on hold by the Commonwealth Transportation Board due to very significant revenue reductions. At that time, over $40 million was reserved for the I-66 widening, to be held until the ultimate project was fully funded.
Senator Colgan, Delegate Parrish, and Delegate Marshall asked Governor Warner to use the remaining funds to move forward with a significant portion of the ultimate project. The Governor's proposal to widen I-66 is consistent with his previous and on-going efforts to reduce congestion in Northern Virginia and to make the most effective use of very limited financial resources.
"Senator Colgan and Delegates Parrish and Marshall deserve the credit for finding an affordable, creative solution to some of the congestion problems in this corridor," Governor Warner said. "These improvements will improve public transit and ridesharing in this corridor and reduce congestion, especially in the evening rush hour."
The Governor's proposal to widen I-66, including an extension of HOV lanes, will be in the final Six Year Improvement Plan to be considered by the Commonwealth Transportation Board at its June 19 regular meeting. The estimated cost of the improvements is approximately $40 million.
"I am pleased that the Governor recognized the critical need for these improvements for the citizens of Prince William County," Senator Colgan said. "Rather than waiting indefinitely for full funding, this proposal will allow us to provide immediate relief to families, businesses, and commuters in the I-66 corridor."
"The Governor's actions will be a tremendous benefit to commuters in Prince William County," Delegate Parrish said. "Senator Colgan, Delegate Marshall and I worked hard to show the Governor and VDOT how important it is to move forward with improvements to I-66."
"Families from Gainesville, Haymarket, and Bristow will have more time together," said Delegate Marshall.
For more information, go to www.governor.state.va.us
Office of the Governor
Mark R. Warner
RICHMOND -- Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that I-66 would be widened between Sudley Road and the Route 234 Bypass beginning early next year. The decision was made after a review of available funding at the request of Senator Charles J. Colgan and Delegates Harry J. Parrish and Robert G. Marshall.
The Governor's proposal to widen I-66 is part of a long-planned project to widen I-66 all the way to Rt. 29 (Gainesville) and to reconstruct the Gainesville interchange. Last year, both projects were put on hold by the Commonwealth Transportation Board due to very significant revenue reductions. At that time, over $40 million was reserved for the I-66 widening, to be held until the ultimate project was fully funded.
Senator Colgan, Delegate Parrish, and Delegate Marshall asked Governor Warner to use the remaining funds to move forward with a significant portion of the ultimate project. The Governor's proposal to widen I-66 is consistent with his previous and on-going efforts to reduce congestion in Northern Virginia and to make the most effective use of very limited financial resources.
"Senator Colgan and Delegates Parrish and Marshall deserve the credit for finding an affordable, creative solution to some of the congestion problems in this corridor," Governor Warner said. "These improvements will improve public transit and ridesharing in this corridor and reduce congestion, especially in the evening rush hour."
The Governor's proposal to widen I-66, including an extension of HOV lanes, will be in the final Six Year Improvement Plan to be considered by the Commonwealth Transportation Board at its June 19 regular meeting. The estimated cost of the improvements is approximately $40 million.
"I am pleased that the Governor recognized the critical need for these improvements for the citizens of Prince William County," Senator Colgan said. "Rather than waiting indefinitely for full funding, this proposal will allow us to provide immediate relief to families, businesses, and commuters in the I-66 corridor."
"The Governor's actions will be a tremendous benefit to commuters in Prince William County," Delegate Parrish said. "Senator Colgan, Delegate Marshall and I worked hard to show the Governor and VDOT how important it is to move forward with improvements to I-66."
"Families from Gainesville, Haymarket, and Bristow will have more time together," said Delegate Marshall.
For more information, go to www.governor.state.va.us
Page last modified: June 17, 2003
