Corridor H

[Beltway]

They cannot do that -- but they can offer 100% FHWA funding for an ADHS project, like they did with US-219 between Meyersdale and Bedford PA. That is an ADHS corridor and they got ~300 million dollars 100% funded back a few years ago for that segment.
My prediction detailed is upthread. This will be too important and too valuable for VA to pass up.

If the FHWA can withhold a certain percentage of federal highway funding to states that don't pass a primary seat belt law or a reduced blood-alcohol percentage for DUI charges, then why can't it withhold some or all of a state's federal funding unless it builds a segment of a federally-authorized highway?

Well they could, but even Interstate system segments a state didn't want to build were not forced to completion that way. Many segments were left unbuilt. Even the mainline route I-84 between Hartford and Providence.

[SP Cook]

I totally understand Virginia's reluctance to do anything about H until WV does its job.  You only have to go north a bit to see several roads that do the exact opposite.  Adequate 4 lanes in Virginia, back country 2 lanes start at the state line.  And then we have WV's history of building its 4 lanes in almost the exact opposite order of their importance.  The two interstates, leaving out the short I-81, that affect Virginia were thus  left unfinished by WV for many decades after Virginia spent millions in quite rural and unpopulated parts of the Commonwealth.  And, of course, first an incompetent governor actually GAVE THE MONEY BACK to build the western sections Of H 4 decades ago, and then extremists tied the road up for years, and seem to be trying to again. 

There is no reason for Virginia to think about H until the last two sections are at least under construction.  When they are, and certainly when completed, the public will demand a safe road to finish the project. 

I also understand that Virginia now has a government of NOVA, by NOVA, and for NOVA, and no one in power today cares about anyone on the other side of the Rappahannock, but politicians come and politicians go.   

My presumption is that Virginia will do what HB calls "Virginia twinning", like you see on Corridor Q in Giles or Tazewell counties.  That really doesn't cost that much compared to the way WV, KY, and NC have built most of the Corridors.

[Beltway]

I also understand that Virginia now has a government of NOVA, by NOVA, and for NOVA, and no one in power today cares about anyone on the other side of the Rappahannock, but politicians come and politicians go. 
My presumption is that Virginia will do what HB calls "Virginia twinning", like you see on Corridor Q in Giles or Tazewell counties.  That really doesn't cost that much compared to the way WV, KY, and NC have built most of the Corridors.

It's not quite that bad as there is a lot of pushback, but even in Richmond where I live a lot of people are sick and tired of the influence and attitudes of NOVA (specifically the core D.C. suburban counties and cities). Many stronger feelings as you go to western and southern parts of the state.

I would definitely predict that VDOT would go with a full 4-lane relocation on limited access R/W. US-48 is not adequate and goes thru some village areas that at minimum would need to be bypassed.

VA Corridor Q is a complete relocation on the new sections west of US-460 at Grundy.

US-58 Hillsville-Stuart is being built with some sections relocated and the others with total reconstruction of existing highway to high standards (like 60 mph design speed).

That is the model for VA Corridor H -- to my mind.

[Beltway]

Here is the message I sent yesterday to Six-YearProgram@VDOT.Virginia.gov which is their public-facing group mailbox for contacting the SYIP office. CC-ed two CTB members.

Awaiting a response.

SYIP New Project Request

Request for consideration of a new SYIP entry for Preliminary Engineering (PE). I would appreciate it if this request could be forwarded to the Staunton District Administrator and Staunton District Planning Manager for formal review as part of the upcoming FY2028–2034 SYIP development cycle.
 
The purpose of the request is to initiate PE for the Virginia segment of US‑48 (I‑81 to the West Virginia line) in order to evaluate long‑term needs associated with:
-- ADHS eligibility and remaining unfunded segments
-- WVDOH's advancement of Corridor H to the state line
-- Freight connectivity between I‑81 and West Virginia
-- The absence of any prior PE or corridor‑level engineering work on the Virginia segment
 
I am requesting that the corridor be entered into the SYIP as a PE line item so that VDOT can undertake the appropriate engineering and planning analysis.
 
Thank you for your assistance, and I appreciate the District's consideration of this request.
 
Sincerely,
Scott M. Kozel
Richmond, VA

[Beltway]

VDOT Preliminary Engineering (PE) includes the full early‑stage project development process:
– Location study / corridor study
– Alternatives development
– NEPA (CE / EA / EIS)
– Environmental constraints analysis
– Traffic, freight, and safety analysis
– Conceptual engineering
– Preliminary cost estimates
– Right‑of‑way impact analysis
– Public involvement

[ARMOURERERIC]

Just reading that the first Wardenville contract was awarded today.

[Beltway]

Yep.