WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Changes on the way to Troutville Interchange on Interstate 81
Member Center:
Even with a budget shortfall, VDOT is moving ahead with plans for a major renovation project at exit 150 on Interstate 81.
A public meeting introducing some of the options just got underway.
Just like the evolving face of Botetourt County, the exit into the area may be changing too.
"We're taking a look at the whole exit 150 interchange this includes all the on and off ramps in that area," says Heidi Underwood.
VDOT wants to ease congestion and make things safer.
The field has been narrowed to six-proposals residents and motorists in the area can weigh in on.
The options pretty much focus on the route 11/220 cooridor with prices ranging from 11.8 to 21.6 million dollars.
While most agree *something* needs to be done.
"Mostly congested when you get off the ramp, it just takes forever," says Blue Ridge resident Freddie Quist.
It remains to be seen what.
"It's no more dangerous than 81 is," says Pulaski trucker David Coleman.
All, but one of VDOT's options involves closing exit 150-A, towards Cloverdale.
A couple of options allow for a loop road behind the truck stop.
Several others offer medians to stop or filter turning traffic and other options have VDOT buying the truck stops all together.
That's something truckers find especially disturbing.
"If you close this one down, where will we park at? We're already limited to where we can park at now," says Hampton trucker, Al Overton.
"Common sense isn't common at all," says Okalahoma trucker Bill Garrison.
VDOT says the project is still far from the construction phase.
$20 million dollars has been allocated, with it not being fully funded until 2015.
The hope is residents will come voice their opinions and that information will be used to narrow the field even further and eventually get this project on the road.
A public meeting kicked off at five o'clock.
It will continue until seven Thursday night at Lord Botetourt High School.
