Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Route 460 Location Study?

A. The Route 460 Corridor was part of the national “TransAmerica Corridor” designated by Federal transportation legislation in 1991.  In the late 1990’s Virginia and West Virginia collaborated on a feasibility study investigating transportation improvements between Beckley, West Virginia and Virginia Beach, Virginia.  This location study is the next step in the evaluation of potential improvements. 

Q. When will anything approved in this Study actually be built?

A. Before any improvements can be made, the environmental process has to be completed, engineering design and construction documents must be prepared and the right of way acquired.  As described above the environmental process will take a minimum of three years.  Depending upon the location, the type of alternative selected and construction sequencing strategies, the design and right of way acquisition could take five to ten years, assuming funding availability. 


Q. Are bike paths or transit being considered in this study?

A. Multiple modes and locations are being considered.  It is difficult, at this early stage, to determine which alternatives will best address the transportation problem.  While several non-highway alternatives may be part of the analysis, not all will address the larger freight, economic and regional linkage issues to be addressed in the study.

Q. Who can I contact about this Study?

A. Chris Collins in VDOT’s Environmental Division 
1201 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-4249
E-mail: 460LocationStudy@VirginiaDOT.org