Hampton Roads Transportation

[varider]

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/03/mayors-vow-work-together-regions-rail-projects

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 April 14, 2010 by calwinston

[varider]

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]

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.virginiadot.org/projects/ppta3rdXingHome.asp

http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/hamptonroads/widening_i-64_on_the_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]

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]

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]

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!

[mlsimons]

http://www.tidewaternews.com/news/2010/apr/17/mcdonnell-looks-jump-start-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]

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]

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]

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]

http://www.tidewaternews.com/news/2010/apr/17/mcdonnell-looks-jump-start-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.

[ronsmytheiii]

Expanding the Midtown Tunnel is one of Virginia's two greatest needs for creating more transportation capacity, according to a report released Monday. The state's top priority, said the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials report, is establishing tolls on Interstates 95/395 carpool lanes in Northern Virginia for drivers who don't have the required two passengers in order to ease congestion in the regular travel lanes.

State highway officials are close to committing to a public-private partnership to make the Midtown Tunnel project happen

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/04/report-midtown-tunnel-expansion-high-priority

[calwinston]

Looks like Hampton Roads is being bypassed again. The new maglev train will have stops on the eastern seaboard all the way from Boston to Charlotte with only one stop in Virginia whch is Richmond! The first phase will be from Baltimore to DC. I have posted about maglev technology in the community blog and the Richmond Region Transportation forum but failed to realize that this was already being planned! Hampton Roads officials better get the ball rolling on this one now or be left behind again!

Maglev Route

http://www.bwmaglev....ractivemap.html

Bloomberg News Report

http://www.bloomberg...id=aUUwWmGhR.OA

Blommberg News Video

http://www.bloomberg...YHHAt4vFoGc.asf

Edited May 15, 2010 by calwinston

[rusthebuss]

Its the state not the locals

[calwinston]

Virginia and Gov McDonnell need to get the ball rolling on this now. He should call back the General Assembly for a special session and lock them in the room until they come out with a transportation plan!

Despite a pledge made during last year's campaign that transportation would be an early-term priority, signals are emerging from McDonnell's administration that finding new money for roads might have to wait until 2011.

"Within the next year, no later than next session, we'll have a set of proposals that we will make to the General Assembly to address transportation funding," McDonnell said recently.

Extending that timeline isn't welcome news in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, Virginia's two most populous and gridlocked regions. A 2009 National Traffic Scorecard indicates the areas are the 31st- and fourth-most congested in the nation, respectively.

"Our two economic engines, Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, are still ranked as some of the most congested areas in the country, and we've seen no major investment to improve that area other than the Capitol Beltway in Northern Virginia," said Jeffrey C. Southard, executive vice president of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance.

http://hamptonroads....d-budget-limits

[calwinston]

VDOT has reached a interim agreement with Elizabeth River Crossings LLC to expand and imrove the Downtown Tunnel, midtown tunnel and MLK freeway extension! The only thing is Hampton Road officials are trying to get the toll cost down to $1.50.

http://www.virginiabusiness.com/index.php/news/article/hampton-roads-area-tunnel-advances-to-next-phase-of-interim-agreement/204513/

[calwinston]

Everyone in Hampton Roads needs to get out to this one. VDOT is opening the transportation plan (SYIP 2011-2016) to public comment and review at meetings across the state. $5.6 billion will be spent on highway construction and $2.1 billion on rail and public transportation. The first meeting occured last night in Richmond with 3 more slatted in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Roanoke. The Hampton Roads meeting will take place June 2, 2010 at the Chesapeake Conference Center at 6:00pm.

http://www.virginiad...x-year46750.asp

http://www.drpt.virg...FY11%20SYIP.pdf

[calwinston]

The Virginia Port Authority plans to move forward with the Commonwealth Port Fund for the Craney Island expansion. Currently contracts are being awarded for dike construction to start this fall. The VPA and the federal goverment are the financiars in a 50/50 share cost agreement! Before $1.1million was all that was awarded by the federal government. But just two weeks ago another $28.5 million was released for the port construction. This is great news for Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia and hopefully this project has no more delays and stays on track to open in 2020!

Craney Island Permits issued

http://hamptonroads....-state?cid=srch

Craney Island May Newsletter

http://craneyisland....tionmay2010.pdf

28.5 million awarded for project

http://hamptonroads....et?cid=srch#rfq

The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) plans to move forward with a

Commonwealth Port Fund bond to initiate Craney Island Eastward

Expansion construction. When issued, the bond will fund the fi rst

construction contract, which include

Edited June 1, 2010 by calwinston

[calwinston]

If Hampton Roads officials got off their rockers and actually was involved in the study instead of trusting others to take care of it they would not be in this situtation of High Speed Rail passing them by! Kind of crazy they are just learning about this! Their must have been a hint!

http://hamptonroads....%80%99t-pass-us

Edited June 7, 2010 by calwinston

[burt]

For southeast high speed rail plans, check:

http://sehsr.org/

Scroll to "Richmond to Hampton Roads Draft Tier 1 EIS complete", then click the highlighted www.rich2hrrail.info and go to Alternatives Under Study in the left hand panel.

There could possibly be 6 roundtrips from Harbor Park via Bowers Hill and Petersburg to MSS in Richmond as well as 3 roundtrips from a new downtown Newport News station via Williamsburg to MSS.

All trains would continue to the Northeast from Richmond.

Meanwhile, there is a plan to begin non-high speed Amtrak service in about three years -- one daily roundtrip to and from Norfolk via the US460 corridor which would bypass Main Street Station and stop at Staples Mill instead. Richmond officials are not happy about MSS being by-passed.

Edited June 7, 2010 by burt

[VBIllini13]

If Hampton Roads officials got off their rockers and actually was involved in the study instead of trusting others to take care of it they would not be in this situtation of High Speed Rail passing them by! Kind of crazy they are just learning about this! Their must have been a hint!

http://hamptonroads....%80%99t-pass-us

Believe me, they are not "just learning about this."

Here's my plan, how about instead of a freaking "spur" off of the Richmond line, how about they add us in to the freaking main line. I don't give a damn if the Richmond-Raleigh route is already near the final steps of the planning process. Do what our Congress should have done with health care: start over and quit ignoring Virginia's most important region. Maybe go Richmond, Petersburg, Bowers Hill, Norfolk, then South from there. This whole national planning process is obviously not working out.