Gov. Ralph Northam on Tuesday signed into law SB 971, which directs the Commonwealth Transportation Board to develop and adopt an Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement plan and evaluate financing options for Interstate 81 corridor improvements.
“SB971 is the result of a bipartisan effort between the Secretary of Transportation and members of the General Assembly. I-81 is a crucial corridor for our Shenandoah Valley communities and for economic development for Virginia,” said State Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg. “It carries 42% of all the truck vehicle miles traveled in the Commonwealth. But when crashes occur, I-81 can come to a standstill for all travelers. It is no secret, that in order to make significant safety improvements, it will take a large revenue investment from the Commonwealth. This study will evaluate, among other things, the feasibility of tolling heavy commercial vehicles to finance corridor improvements.”
SB971 states that the CTB shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2018 and shall submit their findings to the Governor and General Assembly by the first day of the 2019 General Assembly session.
The bill and its history may be viewed here.
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