© 2024
Virginia's Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
A look at the economy and business outlook in Virginia.

Interstate 81 Needs Fixes, But How to Pay?

VDOT

 

 

In 2016, there were more than 2,000 crashes on Interstate 81. To help prevent more accidents, lawmakers in Richmond are considering ways to pay for improvements to the highway.

But the first suggestion - a regional gas tax - has already gone down.

 

  

 

Republican Senator Emmett Hanger represents the Staunton area. Walking around the state capitol he wears a little lapel pin that says Interstate 81. Hanger says if commuters want that road improved, lawmakers will have to come up with a way to pay for it.

 

“There are consequences of our inaction,” Hanger said. “With all the accidents, the huge delays are costing people tremendous amounts of time and money.”

 

Hanger’s proposal was a gas tax. It would have applied just to convenience stores along I-81. But that proposal was shot down by a House subcommittee this week.

 

A separate bill that doesn’t fund immediate action, but studies alternative ways to fund construction, still lives.   

 

“I’m quick to point out that studying doesn’t put any money in our treasury to actually pay for improvements,” critiques Hanger.

 

Mike O’Connor is a lobbyist for gas station owners. He says tolling trucks or high occupancy lanes would be less of a burden on local businesses.

 

“For this year I think the way to go is to look at the House and to have a serious study of these various options and come back next January,” said O’Connor.

 

In the meantime Interstate 81 will be getting more wear and tear. Almost half of all miles trucks traveled in Virginia are traveled on 81.

 
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.