HD69 - Construction of I-99


Executive Summary:
At the directive of the Virginia General Assembly pursuant to Item 427 H of Chapter 3 of the 2006 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, the Virginia Department of Transportation sent a letter on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation to Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina to gauge each state’s interest in participating in the planning and construction of a new interstate or limited access facility traversing the Mid-Atlantic coast. Each state identified a point of contact and provided an official response to Virginia’s letter (refer to Appendix C). A follow-up e-mail was sent to each state with background information, a map of the corridor in Virginia and a request for the identification of any issues related to the proposed facility. Most state provided limited information in their responses.

Findings

Most states reported that the cost of a new interstate facility or limited access concept is too costly to pursue at this time. States instead are recommending improvements to existing facilities that increase capacity and safety at certain points or along specific segments as needed. Some states have corridor studies underway on segments in the vicinity of the proposed corridor but no states are opting for a major capitol project of this magnitude. The piecemeal approach in the corridor appears reflective of two principles:

1. Insufficient revenue and interest to plan, design and/or construct the proposed facility.

2. Significant priorities exist elsewhere.

Recommendation

Given the limited financial resources and low level interest among states, it is recommended that states consider access management, corridor preservation, completing existing projects and/or corridor studies that will improve connectivity and level of service along the proposed I-99 corridor.