Charlottesville 29 Bypass (VA)
Proposed 29 Bypass faces federal review
Last summer, the long-dormant plan for a bypass around Route 29 was suddenly revived and quickly approved by local and state officials. Now, it is up to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to gather and review updated information and to decide whether the project should move forward. This process is legally mandated under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA essentially says that if federal money will be used for a project, the government must first have reliable, up-to-date information about potential impacts on the environment, community, and public health, and they must take a hard look at alternatives. NEPA also requires public input throughout the process. SELC will be closely involved at every stage of this federal review process to ensure that the federal government meets all necessary requirements.
Public meeting slated for Spring/Summer 2012
As required by law, VDOT is now gathering updated information on the proposed bypass and its impacts in a report called an “environmental assessment.” A draft of the assessment will be presented to the public this spring or summer, and an important meeting will be held to get the public’s input. After the public meeting, VDOT will revise the assessment and submit a final version to FHWA for review. FHWA could make a decision whether to move forward with the project as soon as this summer or early fall. Please plan to attend this public meeting. SELC will post exact date and location as soon as this information becomes available.
Case Summary
No one doubts the need to reduce traffic congestion on Route 29. It’s clear that something needs to be done, but building an expensive bypass that will do little to reduce congestion, harm air and water quality, destroy countryside, and forever change the special character of our community is not the answer.
SELC, our partners, and thousands of concerned citizens believe strongly that our community deserves better. The Charlottseville-Albemarle community has spent years developing solutions that are more cost-effective and less destructive—and would improve the circulation of local traffic and allow through traffic to flow more freely. And yet, due to political reasons, local and state officials want to plow ahead with an outdated, expensive, destructive road that will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
If a bypass isn’t the answer, then what is the answer?
For the last decade, the Charlottesville-Albemarle community has worked hard to advance smarter, long-term solutions to the traffic on Route 29. A number of major studies have shown that the best solutions focus on addressing the sources of congestion rather than building a bypass around it. The two most important ways to alleviate traffic on Route 29 are:
- Build overpasses at the busiest intersections along Route 29—Hydraulic and Rio—to eliminate long traffic lights and backups; and
- Complete a series of parallel roads along the corridor, including the Hillsdale Drive Extension and Berkmar Drive Extended, to give local drivers more ways to access destinations on the corridor without using Route 29.
In addition, SELC supports better development practices on the Route 29 corridor that move away from big-box stores and toward pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use developments that require less driving. Reliable and attractive transit options will also help curb the number of cars on Rt. 29.
3 Ways To Help
1. Contact decision-makers and voice your concerns about the 29 Bypass.
2. Sign the petition to stop the proposed 29 Bypass and implement better, cheaper, less damaging solutions to reduce traffic congestion on Route 29.
3. Participate in public meetings. The next opportunity for public input will occur during the spring or summer of 2012. Check back often for exact date, time, and location.