Proposed Raleigh-Norfolk corridor clears U.S. House
(Triangle Business Journal – November 13, 2015)
Transportation officials in North Carolina and Virginia are awaiting the outcome of a congressional conference committee to see whether the entire highway corridor between Raleigh and Norfolk, Virginia, might eventually become part of the federal interstate system.
While it was still under consideration by the House, the entire North Carolina congressional delegation and four of Virginia’s 11 representatives came out in support of the measure.
Once the segments of U.S. Route 64 and U.S. 17 meet certain requirements, they would become part of the federal interstate system.
The Federal Highway Administration estimates $1 billion in transportation funding can support approximately 30,000 jobs.
“This is a big deal for North Carolina, but especially Wake County. “The Raleigh-Cary area is one of just a few large metro regions in the eastern U.S. that doesn’t have two two-digit interstates,” says Joe Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance business coalition. “Adding a second one would send a signal to travelers and future economic development opportunities that we’re a priority for the federal interstate system.”