Virginia Considers Possibility Of Separate Interstate For Trucks

State and federal leaders are examining a plan to build a new four lane road parallel to I-81 to divide truck from auto traffic

1 minute read

March 29, 2004, 11:00 AM PST

By Janet Boyko


Considered a federal test case for a new interstate system devoted to separating truck traffic from automobile traffic on the nation’s highways, Virginia is considering a plan to build a parallel road along its I-81 corridor solely for trucks. I-81, which extends 824 miles from central Tennessee to the Canadian borders, runs 325 miles along the western portion of Virginia through some of the state’s most treasured landscapes. Champions of the plan say it would reduce conflicts between cars and trucks, making the roads safer. Opponents of the plan are concerned about the effects the new road would have on the scenic and historical significance of the rural communities along the corridor. Others are worried that the tolls imposed on the new roadway would send truck traffic to other state arteries, already heavily traveled. “What ultimately happens here will have profound implications for one of Virginia's most treasured landscapes, truck traffic in the Washington region and how goods are moved across the nation in the coming decades.”

Thanks to Janet Boyko

Sunday, March 28, 2004 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today