Contact: Neil Williamson
434-220-0781
434-962-0847
neil@freeenterpriseforum.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2005
Meadowcreek Parkway Project can move forward prior to Interchange Project
Roundabout design could handle traffic until interchange constructed according to study
Charlottesville, VA - A new report indicates the construction of an at-grade "roundabout" will allow the intersection of the Meadowcreek Parkway, U.S. 250 and McIntire Road to operate safely and efficiently until a second project, the recently approved federally funded grade-separated interchange can be constructed.
A new independent "Review of Reasonableness" report, conducted by Draper Aden Associates for the Free Enterprise Forum, examined traffic projections, analyses and intersection designs and concluded that an at-grade roundabout would "allow Meadowcreek Parkway to operate safely and efficiently in the near term." The report also found importantly that the second project "with its own design utility can be built upon, rather than replace an at grade plan."
The "Reasonableness" report identified that the state funded parkway project can function by itself. When approved and constructed, the separate, federally funded, interchange project will be a welcome addition to a road that has been on the books for over 37 years.
The report also concludes that the at-grade intersection concepts can be developed within the parkway project's existing right-of-way.
Free Enterprise Forum Executive Director Neil Williamson said, "Our goal in developing this report was to have a professional, objective, independent review of the issue. Senator John Warner showed great leadership and a commitment to the community in securing the federal dollars necessary for the separate and distinct federal
"The Free Enterprise Forum applauds the Senator's efforts on this issue." Mr. Williamson added, "The Reasonableness report clearly indicates the state funded Meadowcreek Parkway project can be constructed with an at-grade interchange and serve the community. The new independent federal project could then be built on top of the at grade intersection, thereby minimizing traffic impacts to the community during construction".
Draper Aden Associates is a 200-person consulting engineering firm with offices located in Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Hampton Roads, and Richmond, Virginia. Draper Aden is recognized as a leader among engineering consulting firms across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. The Free Enterprise Forum is a privately funded, public policy think tank.
The entire report can be accessed here Meadowcreek/250 Interchange Report