An Outer Beltway: A Bad Idea That Just Keeps Coming Back
Dear Smart Growth Supporters,
The Virginia General Assembly is in session and we've been tracking the many bills being considered that could affect our communities. There's a particularly bad bill we want to tell you about: HB277, which would prioritize construction of a toll bypass around DC called the Washington Bypass.
The Washington Bypass is a new name for an old, bad idea. Rejected several times over several decades by Northern Virginian communities, this project has also been called the Western Transportation Corridor, Battlefield Bypass, 234 Bypass, Outer Beltway, and Tri-County Parkway.
Study after study shows this project wouldn't relieve traffic -- and would actually increase congestion and encourage more development far from jobs. We can't afford to divert our limited transportation dollars to a project that won't help Virginia's Commuters. Urge your State Delegate to oppose HB277.
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The mole is back! Say no to an Outer Beltway and email your State Delegate asking them to oppose HB277.
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(Still) A Bad Idea... By Any Name
Remember the game Whack-a-Mole?
Like that darn mole, the "Washington Bypass" just keeps coming back, no matter how many studies have shown that it won't reduce traffic congestion -- and it could actually increase traffic.
A Waste of Taxpayer Dollars That Doesn't Solve Our Traffic Woes
The "Washington Bypass," or any version of an Outer Beltway, would:
- Provide No Traffic Relief
Study after study shows an Outer Beltway wouldn’t provide any traffic relief -- and a new north-south highway wouldn't help commuters in Northern Virginia. We need solutions for our clogged east-west corridors, including I-66, Route 50, the Dulles Toll Road, and Route 7.
- Divert Limited Transportation Dollars
This "Washington Bypass," with an estimated pricetag of $1 billion or more, would divert our very limited transportation dollars to a project that won't solve our traffic problems. We need the money to fix Tysons Corner, Route 1, Metro, VRE, and I-95.
- Not Pay for Itself
This toll road wouldn't pay for itself -- meaning taxpayers could be left holding the bill of $1 billion or more. If you've been following the Beltway HOT Lanes debate, you know this is what happened to that project.
- Induce Sprawl Far From Jobs
An Outer Beltway would open rural areas in Stafford, Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun to sprawling development, exacerbating congestion instead of solving it.
This bill, sponsored by Delegates Albo (SE Fairfax) and Rust (W Fairfax/E Loudoun), would also circumvent the priorities set by local elected officials on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the recently completed analysis by VDOT of statewide priorities.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Perring
Coalition
for Smarter Growth
action@smartergrowth.net
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