Roanoke Group
of the Virginia Chapter

Virginia's transportation needs are growing; but the money available for transportation projects and environmental protection is not. Therefore, it no longer makes environmental or fiscal sense to continue spending billions of scarce taxpayer dollars on new highways and new lanes.

For these reasons it's time to invest in trains. Transport of both passengers and freight is more environmentally friendly and less expensive by train. Also, new rails can be laid down faster than new highway lanes.

If you are concerned about highway congestion, government spending, and environmental protection, please join the Campaign for Trains. Contact the Governor and your state Senator and Delegate. Write a letter or make a telephone call. Tell them to stop throwing away your tax money on projects such as I-81 widening or the construction of I-73. Tell them to make a commitment to trains. Ask them to establish the Virginia Rail Authority and rebuild the rails.

To find your Virginia Delegate and Senator, click here (Virginia Legislature Web Site)

INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ISSUES

The Roanoke Sierra Club opposes a "new terrain" routing of the proposed Interstate 73, advocating instead an upgrade of the existing US 220 route.  This approach would be much less damaging to natural habitats and historic settlements and is adequate to handle the expected traffic load.  For more information on this issue, see Virginians for Appropriate Roads newsletter (PDF File).

We advocate a thorough and thoughtful environmental impact study before any decision is made with respect to a major upgrade Interstate 81.  We oppose a complete upgrade of this highway.  We believe better reliance on rail alternatives, correction of selected trouble spots, and enforcement of existing traffic regulations will serve to alleviate public safety concerns on this important transportation artery.