1374 replies to this topic

[urbanlife]

ronsmytheiii, on 18 February 2010 - 10:40 PM, said:

Is that really such a good idea? Bowers Hill is not that developed, I dont want a developing frenzy in a green area.

Actually Bowers Hill makes sense, there is easy access to the peninsula via 664, as well as make it easier for those that live outside of the metro to get to...plus in the grand scheme of things, it would be nice if the region finally got around to actually building a real international airport, which if they did, Bowers Hill would be a good location for a true international airport.

Sorry if the airport comment takes this off topic a little bit, but it would make alot of sense for the region having a transit hub like this, then there would be the possibility of closing down both Norfolk International and the airport on the peninsula that I always keep forgetting that they actually have.

But this is all pipe dreams, I have never been fond of the airports in the region.

[varider]

I think we do neeed two stations on the Southside. && Bowers Hill is great for, like urbanlife said, access from Northern and Western sections of the metro.

I don't see the need for a mega-airport in Chesapeake though. The two-system ORF/PHF seems to be working just fine. The competition holds prices down, and since the airports aren't that large, there's not really delays like in the major hubs.

[jeffconn]

varider, on 18 February 2010 - 05:34 PM, said:

Southside Hampton Roads will actually get two new HSR stations. One in Chesapeake @ Bowers Hill and Downtown Norfolk.

Wasn't the plan to put the train station near Harbor Park, and make that building a transportation hub, with the Tide, HRT buses, Greyhound, Amtrak, and the ferry all meeting right there? Plus, maybe run that proposed Edenton-Chesapeake train through to downtown?

Oh well, i can dream, can't i?

[VBIllini13]

jeffconn, on 19 February 2010 - 06:45 AM, said:

Wasn't the plan to put the train station near Harbor Park, and make that building a transportation hub, with the Tide, HRT buses, Greyhound, Amtrak, and the ferry all meeting right there? Plus, maybe run that proposed Edenton-Chesapeake train through to downtown?

Oh well, i can dream, can't i?

Actually, the transportation hub (including HSR) is planned on being built at Harbor Park, which is still considered downtown.

[varider]

VBIllini13, on 19 February 2010 - 06:39 PM, said:

Actually, the transportation hub (including HSR) is planned on being built at Harbor Park, which is still considered downtown.

Exactly. How awesome will that be? HSR, LRT, Ferries, Inter/Intra-city busses, etc. all in one spot.Now that's big-city ISH

[varider]

http://hamptonroads....s-rail-projects

Quote

The South Hampton Roads mayors who talked transportation Thursday at the Chesapeake Conference Center vowed to work together for the collective good.

Whether it was light rail in Norfolk or high-speed rail from Hampton Roads to Richmond and beyond, the diverse bunch predicted success.

High-speed rail is half a dozen years off; state officials have suggested spending $75 million to upgrade existing tracks for passenger service in just three years.

The latest price tag for the light-rail project is more than $100 million over the original estimate.

Still, leaders spoke optimistically in front of a crowd of nearly 400 during the two-hour Regent University Executive Leadership S eries forum.

Norfolk's light-rail project ultimately will benefit the rest of the region, Portsmouth Mayor James Holley said, and Virginia Beach Mayor William Sessoms said the same would be true for his city. But, Sessoms said, "It won't happen overnight."

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim spoke of the economic toll on areas cut off from the interstate highway system a half-century ago.

"The Hampton Roads region cannot and will not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be connected to a nationwide transportation network," Fraim said, or else it would meet the same fate.

[calwinston]

This needed to be built 10 years ago. A little puzzled how local officials think they can pay for a 62 mile highway with a $1-$1.50 toll. Obviously this will be a $2-$3 toll. Happy McDonnell is is trying to have this jump started by the summer.

http://hamptonroads....-rebuild-us-460

Edited by calwinston, 13 April 2010 - 09:48 PM.

[varider]

calwinston, on 13 April 2010 - 09:43 PM, said:

This needed to be built 10 years ago. A little puzzled how local officials think they can pay for a 62 mile highway with a $1-$1.50 toll. Obviously this will be a $2-$3 toll. Happy McDonnell is is trying to have this jump started by the summer.

http://hamptonroads....-rebuild-us-460

Ayee, sounds good. After 460, I'd love to see an interstate to the south.

[calwinston]

varider, on 13 April 2010 - 09:53 PM, said:

Ayee, sounds good. After 460, I'd love to see an interstate to the south.

It will be 10-20 years before that happens, but they need to get started on that third HR crossing and expand I-64 on the peninsula from Newport News to Richmond from 2 lanes to 3 lanes each way!

http://www.virginiad...3rdXingHome.asp
http://www.virginiad...e_peninsula.asp

[mlsimons]

All of these road construction ideas sound great (especially the third crossing), however, I would really hope that as an urban planning forum we could try to argue more for 21st century solutions to 20th century problems.

I ride from Richmond to Norfolk every week and I cringe at the fear of getting stuck in tunnel traffic. However, I know that if I had a viable rail option to get from Norfolk to Richmond in approximately 1.5 hours at a cost around $20-$30 I would absolutely park my car and contribute to less traffic.

If we replaced every road proposal dollar on the table right now with rail dollars. We could essentially have all our rail options in the goodie basket. The midtown tunnel expansion, which I believe is extremely necessary, will cost $2-3 billion (however, mostly private investment). This money could easily expand light rail to the Oceanfront and NOB and start the commuter rail project too.

I just think if any group of folks are going to step up and think progressively about our transportation problems and options, its going to be guys/gals like us.

[varider]

mlsimons, on 14 April 2010 - 09:40 AM, said:

All of these road construction ideas sound great (especially the third crossing), however, I would really hope that as an urban planning forum we could try to argue more for 21st century solutions to 20th century problems.

I ride from Richmond to Norfolk every week and I cringe at the fear of getting stuck in tunnel traffic. However, I know that if I had a viable rail option to get from Norfolk to Richmond in approximately 1.5 hours at a cost around $20-$30 I would absolutely park my car and contribute to less traffic.

If we replaced every road proposal dollar on the table right now with rail dollars. We could essentially have all our rail options in the goodie basket. The midtown tunnel expansion, which I believe is extremely necessary, will cost $2-3 billion (however, mostly private investment). This money could easily expand light rail to the Oceanfront and NOB and start the commuter rail project too.

I just think if any group of folks are going to step up and think progressively about our transportation problems and options, its going to be guys/gals like us.

I agree 1000%. When you put in into perspective.. LR to the Oceanfront, Naval Station, and the commuter rail system to Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Williamsburg would be much more benefitial then one tunnel from P-Town to Nawfudge

[mlsimons]

varider, on 14 April 2010 - 04:21 PM, said:

Nawfudge

haha...does anyone on this forum actually say "Nawfick" or "Naughfuk?"

Every since I've been in Richmond, everyone thinks I'm freakin weird for sayin it that way... I just say that how my parents said it.

[varider]

Haha, I think the website translated my Nawf*ck to Nawfudge.  I call it Norfuk.

[MissySchmidt]

mlsimons, on 14 April 2010 - 09:40 AM, said:

All of these road construction ideas sound great (especially the third crossing), however, I would really hope that as an urban planning forum we could try to argue more for 21st century solutions to 20th century problems.

I ride from Richmond to Norfolk every week and I cringe at the fear of getting stuck in tunnel traffic. However, I know that if I had a viable rail option to get from Norfolk to Richmond in approximately 1.5 hours at a cost around $20-$30 I would absolutely park my car and contribute to less traffic.

If we replaced every road proposal dollar on the table right now with rail dollars. We could essentially have all our rail options in the goodie basket. The midtown tunnel expansion, which I believe is extremely necessary, will cost $2-3 billion (however, mostly private investment). This money could easily expand light rail to the Oceanfront and NOB and start the commuter rail project too.

I just think if any group of folks are going to step up and think progressively about our transportation problems and options, its going to be guys/gals like us.

MLS-you should try to attend the Regional Futures' conference, then: http://fhrinc.org/Se...Conference.html

They're looking for 20- to 40- somethings to attend!

Attached Thumbnails

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[mlsimons]

http://www.tidewater...tart-toll-road/
Can we talk about this? Our beloved governor, who is from Va Beach...Said making hwy 460 into a four lane divided hwy is "the most important project in the Hampton Roads region"

First of all...the road is already built, has been for decades. And folks can cruise at about 60mph all day with absolutely no traffic congestion. Why are we deciding to privatize out roads that currently exist and were paid for by taxpayers?

Ok, so the argument is that a private offshore firm is willing to finance upgrades which will turn the road into an interstate where folks can go 10 mph faster than before (and pay tolls to companies overseas). But it will still be the second fastest way to get to Richmond or up north or out west, unless you happen to live in Suffolk or Deep Creek exclusively.

How is this the most important project in the Hampton Roads regions? Even if we had a major hurricane we would all get backed up at the Downtown Tunnel, Midtown Tunnel, High Rise bridge, or HRBT...so how would this help us since we still need to get through bottle necks just to get to 460?

[varider]

mlsimons, on 18 April 2010 - 02:34 PM, said:

http://www.tidewater...tart-toll-road/
Can we talk about this? Our beloved governor, who is from Va Beach...Said making hwy 460 into a four lane divided hwy is "the most important project in the Hampton Roads region"

First of all...the road is already built, has been for decades. And folks can cruise at about 60mph all day with absolutely no traffic congestion. Why are we deciding to privatize out roads that currently exist and were paid for by taxpayers?

Ok, so the argument is that a private offshore firm is willing to finance upgrades which will turn the road into an interstate where folks can go 10 mph faster than before (and pay tolls to companies overseas). But it will still be the second fastest way to get to Richmond or up north or out west, unless you happen to live in Suffolk or Deep Creek exclusively.

How is this the most important project in the Hampton Roads regions? Even if we had a major hurricane we would all get backed up at the Downtown Tunnel, Midtown Tunnel, High Rise bridge, or HRBT...so how would this help us since we still need to get through bottle necks just to get to 460?

I agree.. The region's top priority should be funding for the Hampton Roads Transit Vision Plan. But I have a question for you guys.. How do you feel about private companies building roads and charging tolls? It seems that every major city has tolls everywhere.. and so they have better infrastructure.. I think it may be time for HR to loook into privatization.

[VBIllini13]

varider, on 18 April 2010 - 02:45 PM, said:

I agree.. The region's top priority should be funding for the Hampton Roads Transit Vision Plan. But I have a question for you guys.. How do you feel about private companies building roads and charging tolls? It seems that every major city has tolls everywhere.. and so they have better infrastructure.. I think it may be time for HR to loook into privatization.

I'm pretty ambivalent about road privatization.  Long ago, public transportation and rail transportation were all privatized, but because of the rapid shift from streetcar to bus to car (with a big thanks to GM and the United States breaking up their trust after it was too late), local, state and federal governments bought and now oversee public transportation.  Roads are odd because many people believe it is something that only the government should build and regulate.  But then there's another question to be asked, if cars are sold by private companies, why can't roads be built by private firms?  There are pros and cons to both arguments.  Pros of private firms building roads and highways includes better quality roads and better upkeep of them. Cons include high tolls and they restrict access to lower income drivers and buses (in some cases) who already pay for insurance, gas, and other necessities that come with owning a car.  Pros of government-constructed roads include cheaper tolls if any at all.  Cons include higher taxes levied on gas and local taxes to pay for road construction and poor maintenance of the roads (as evident on I-264).

Honestly, you couldn't really go wrong with either, and we haven't really had any private roads built in the area, so let's see what happens with this project and then see if this is a good idea or not.

[mlsimons]

varider, on 18 April 2010 - 02:45 PM, said:

I agree.. The region's top priority should be funding for the Hampton Roads Transit Vision Plan. But I have a question for you guys.. How do you feel about private companies building roads and charging tolls? It seems that every major city has tolls everywhere.. and so they have better infrastructure.. I think it may be time for HR to loook into privatization.

I seriously can't get into this or I'll have a privatization relapse of my revelations last year in uncovering the truth behind the midtown tunnel debacle

[urbanfan]

mlsimons, on 18 April 2010 - 02:34 PM, said:

http://www.tidewater...tart-toll-road/
Can we talk about this? Our beloved governor, who is from Va Beach...Said making hwy 460 into a four lane divided hwy is "the most important project in the Hampton Roads region"

First of all...the road is already built, has been for decades. And folks can cruise at about 60mph all day with absolutely no traffic congestion. Why are we deciding to privatize out roads that currently exist and were paid for by taxpayers?

Ok, so the argument is that a private offshore firm is willing to finance upgrades which will turn the road into an interstate where folks can go 10 mph faster than before (and pay tolls to companies overseas). But it will still be the second fastest way to get to Richmond or up north or out west, unless you happen to live in Suffolk or Deep Creek exclusively.

How is this the most important project in the Hampton Roads regions? Even if we had a major hurricane we would all get backed up at the Downtown Tunnel, Midtown Tunnel, High Rise bridge, or HRBT...so how would this help us since we still need to get through bottle necks just to get to 460?

Really, I don't know what 460 you have been driving on but you go ahead and do 60 MPH on it and see if you don't get a ticket for 60 plus in a 30mph district. (as I just did two months ago) The road goes through several small cities and the speed limit waffles between 25 and 55 mph (never 60) though many go quite a bit faster and never get caught.  A dedicated road to Richmond will benefit the area much like the new Route 17 in North Carolina has helped tourism as a dedicated highway has allowed that stretch of road to post a speed limit of 75 MPH.  (Posted not perceived)  Is it more important than a widened HRBT, I think not, but studies are already under way for that.  We have to work at all aspects without losing sight of the goal, which is congestion relief but also evacuation capacity.  Right now we just don't have the capacity to evacuate the area efficiently.  460 would allow a greater capacity. We also have to think about land use planning.  10 - 20 years ago the move was eastward into VaBeach and Chesapeake.  Now that these areas are filling the move is westward including Portsmouth, Suffolk and even Southampton County.  While people in VaBeach would not travel completely around Norfolk to get to a highway, those in western Hampton Roads would.  Seeing that this is the next forefront in expansion of our metro, it seems wise to expand the capacity of the road system, so that we are not forced to dump more people on our already maxed out highways.

[varider]

I guess we need to privatize all our roadways.. that's the only way they are getting built. Infrastructure is an automatic stimulant to the economy. We need a new Midtown Tunnel, a new Steel Bridge/Dominion Blvd. , new Third Crossing, etc. It'll be looking like Northern Virginia (tolls) in a minute.