[Va Beach] Southeastern Parkway Killed

[deathtopumpkins]

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Federal regulators have rejected a proposed highway linking Virginia Beach and Chesapeake because of environmental concerns.

The proposed 21-mile Southeastern Parkway and Greenbelt has been a top transportation priority for Virginia Beach for more than two decades.

On Wednesday, the Federal Highway Administration rejected the proposal because it would consume more than 170 acres of wetlands, according to the Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk.

Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms said city leaders would evaluate how to proceed.

Also on Wednesday, a computer model ranking listed the project as the region's second most needed transportation improvement at a Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization meeting.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/feds-reject-southeastern-parkway-plan

[Revive 755]

Map of the proposed route on this site:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1050713/the-southeastern-parkway-virginia-beach-chesapeake

[njroadhorse]

Wow, way to go VA Beach.  The largest city in Virginia has concerns about the environment with a new roadway, when they sprawl like crazy.  I just don't get it sometimes.

[Revive 755]

^ Seems to be the Feds having issues with the environmental impact of the route, not the city

[Alps]

I can definitely see a need for the route, but 170 acres of wetlands will never fly.

[njroadhorse]

^ Seems to be the Feds having issues with the environmental impact of the route, not the city

If its over federally protected land, then I can see why.  I thought the city canceled it, but the wetlands make sense as to why the feds did.