NORFOLK -- Regional leaders have endorsed a long-range transportation plan for Hampton Roads, and it has won the endorsement of the area’s top Navy Admiral for installation management.
Navy Mid Atlantic Region Admiral Tim Alexander told members of the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) that the efficient movement of cars and people is important to the Navy and vital to national defense. An estimated 60,000 cars enter and exit the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, every day.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim said the Navy’s support is vital.
The TPO approved a blueprint through the year 2034 which establishes a priority list of 32 traffic improvement projects. They include at the top of the list, in order: upgrading the MidTown Tunnel and Martin Luther King freeway; expanding U.S. Highway 17, expanding the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, and building a new third span of the Hampton Roads Harbor known as Patriot's Crossing.
RADM Alexander did express reservations about plans to expand Interstate-64 on the Peninsula, specifically on how that project could adversely impact operations at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. TPO chairwoman Molly Ward, who is also the mayor of Hampton, said the organization would work with the Navy to resolve any concerns.
In a separate vote, the TPO also okayed the Downtown Tunnel/Midtown Tunnel/MLK Freeway extension project, as expected. The vote was unanimous with the exception of Portsmouth City Councilman Steve Heretick. He objected to the $1.59 to $1.84 tolls that will be put into place as soon as this August, and which will be in place for 58 years. Heretick said Portsmouth residents will be “substantially disadvantaged.” He added the impact of the tolls on Portsmouth citizens had not been completely evaluated.
“We recognize the value to the region, but the stake-holders need to have more active participation,” Heretick said.
