Called the Western Bypass, the road would be a portion of a so-called Outer Beltway, which was first proposed in the 1950s and would encircle Washington D.C., possibly cutting through numerous existing communities, including in Loudoun. Because of this, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted on Feb. 2 to oppose the bill, which also counts Del. Tom Rust (R-Sterling) as a co-patron.
“The alliance is pleased the [sub]committee recognized the need for a Western Bypass,” Bob Chase, President of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance (NVTA) said.
According to Chase, the need for a Western Corridor was originally documented in 1950 and studies have reaffirmed its need each decade. An NVTA study in the TransAction 2030 plan found that a Western Bypass would carry an estimated 100,000 vehicles per day in Loudoun and divert traffic of off U.S. 15. Chase also claims it would relieve traffic on I-95, I-495 and Routes 17, 234, 620 and Price Williams and Fairfax County Parkways.
Not everyone thinks the proposed bypass would be beneficial.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 8-1 on Feb. 2 to oppose HB 277, but the vote has no bearing on the bill. Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) was opposed.
“I think it is unfortunate that it has raised its ugly head again,” said Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge), explaining an Outer Beltway would do little to ease congestion on Interstate 495. “It’s something that is not going to go anywhere. It’s a waste of time.”
Supervisor Sally Kurtz (D-Catoctin) suggested if the legislation progresses further that Albo and Rust should consider having the bypass cut through Fairfax, instead.
“If you’re going to have these ideas, then keep it in your district. Put it in Fairfax County,” she said.
The board doesn't harbor the only outspoken opposition to HB 277.
“During a constrained budget where the state is behind billions of dollars, why would a road be put in without review when all these other things need to be done?” said Robert Lazaro, Mayor of Purcellville and Director of Communications for the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC).
Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) said there is no room in Loudoun to build a north-south highway, and wants to know what communities will be affected.
“The proposed bypass will travel north to south, when the biggest [traffic] problem Loudoun has is east west traffic,” Lazaro said.
Opposition between the NVTA and the PEC is familiar ground for the organizations.
“The Piedmont Environmental Council's opposition is not surprising since for decades it has consistently opposed virtually every transportation improvement of significance for working families in this area,” Chase said. “The Alliance's approach differs from the PEC's in that the Alliance is championing a facility that has many proven benefits to the residents of this area including land use. By connecting Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and other fast growing communities the Bypass provides both better mobility as well as a structure around which to focus future homes and jobs and preserve open space.”
Lazaro and the PEC argue that money needs to be put into current road projects and maintenance rather than focusing on a bypass that wouldn't benefit Loudoun commuters. They believe that HB 277 is prioritizing a project that does not meet priority needs. Most residents are trying to move from east to west using I-66, Route 50, 267 and Route 7. On the other hand, Chase claimed that a 2009 NVTA survey found that 66 percent of Loudoun residents favored building a bypass connecting Leesburg with I-95 and less than 20 percent opposed.
“Route 7 and all these other roads are in need of improvement,” Lazaro said. “This project would take resources away from improvements that need to be made now.”
If passed, the bypass will likely be a four to six lane limited access highway featuring access to Dulles Airport and other multiple uses – including a potential hiking and biking trail running alongside the road.
“Federal, state and regional studies have documented the need for a Western Bypass. Such a facility is critical to Washington Dulles [International Airport] and Loudoun County's future,” Chase said. “It's time to identify and protect a corridor on [a] local comprehensive plan.”
Lazaro said, “Why are you spending money on a new road when you need to fix the ones that are already here?
Check loudouni.com on Thursday, Feb. 4 for an updates on the progress of HB 277.
Studies on this bypass have been conducted for decades. Let's save some money and finish with the studies and move on to actual design and construction. Many of the opponents are right, this will not reduce congestion on the beltway, but it will help those people that are travelling from Fredrick to Reston or Centerville or Manassas. The expansion and straighening of Rt. 15 can act as your "outer beltway" if desired. At least the road is already there and you don't have to destroy a lot of virgin Virginia land.
Again, as stated, we don't have the money for a 8 lane beautiful highway. Let's use the dollars wisely and expand what we do have and have enough left over for mainteance!