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SAY NO TO OUTER BELTWAY
PROPOSALS!
Two proposals that would build segments of an Outer Beltway are again threatening Northern Virginia.
June 2005: Both the Tri-County Parkway study and a related study for the Manassas Battlefield Bypass have reached a critical stage for decision makers. Draft environmental impact statements (DEIS) were released for both projects on the possible routes these highways could take. Public hearings were held in May for both projects and citizens had the opportunity to submit written comments. Now officials from the Federal Highway Administration, the Virginia Dept. of Transportation, and several local municipalities will meet and make a decision on these projects. They will choose from several proposed routes and also a "no-build" option. Officials could also choose an outcome not currently on the table. A record of decision - meaning, the final decision - is expected by December 2005. Read an article on the Battlefield Bypass from the Gainesville Times, 7/15/05 Keep checking this page for updates, or contact us to receive periodic issue-specific updates via email. |
| Both the Tri-County Parkway (TCP) and the Manassas Battlefield Bypass studies propose building a major north-south highway either east or west - or more likely on both sides - of Manassas Battlefield. (Links to maps are below) Ultimately, these roads could connect to a Techway bridge across the Potomac and then to an Inter-County Connector (ICC) in Maryland. Can we really afford an Outer Beltway? These proposals would build two pieces of an Outer Beltway, but study after study has shown that these highways would not relieve traffic congestion. Most traffic moves east-west, not north-south. These roads will not solve our region's traffic problems - they'll actually make it worse. Can we really afford more cars on our roads and more time wasted in traffic? Our quality of life is at stake! These roads would also cause irrevocable damage to some of Northern Virginia's most environmentally sensitive areas, pollute our drinking water supply, take away public parkland, and destroy our nation's hallowed ground and historic sites. |
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VDOT should help commuters, not developers.
Across Northern Virginia, we have seen how the construction of new roads simply brings more development and more cars onto our roads. Both the Battlefield Bypass and Tri-County Parkway would open up rural land in Loudoun and Prince William Counties to developers.
VDOT says it doesn't have enough money to fix I-66, so why is VDOT pushing two new unnecessary highways? We need real solutions to our problems.
Solutions that would work:
| Speak Out! It is critical that citizens' voices are heard on these highway projects. Citizen involvement is the only way to make a difference! 1) Write a letter to the editor. Your letter will help make more people aware of what could happen if these highways are approved. 2) Send us an email to get involved further - we need your help. 3) Make a donation to help us continue the fight against an Outer Beltway. 4) Join the DC Sierra Club in their ongoing fight against an Outer Beltway. |
More Information:
Map
of both studies
Manassas
Battlefield Bypass official website
Tri-County
Parkway official website
Related Issues:
Inter-County
Connector
The
Outer Beltway
Roads and their impacts
Techway/Potomac Bridge
Transportation
Induced Travel
