Traffic congestion is a serious problem in many states, and Virginia is no exception. Although the state has invested a lot in its transportation infrastructure over the past couple of decades, traffic flow is still heavy. Traffic contributes to increased number of miles driven, and the amount of time people spend in their cars. Virginia tries to fight traffic with its 58,000-mile highway network, which is the third-largest in the country.
While this extensive highway network is a significant contributor to Virginia’s economic growth, it leads to the increased use of automobiles, which intensifies air pollution problems, and longer commutes.
Another reason why Virginia is facing these congestion problems is the lack of good alternative transportation options, since the state has focused on developing highways instead of investing in a high-quality public transportation system. However, lawmakers are now trying to make a change, with a bill to reform public transportation and relief traffic congestion.
Update Virginia’s Smart Travel Program
Delegate Ron Villanueva and Delegate Chris Peace proposed House Bills, which were passed by the Virginia House of Delegates recently, and are expected to help improve the state’s travel infrastructure. They plan to do this by making sure that infrastructure funding is spent in the most effective way. Bill 1090 is designed to give taxpayers the chance to oversee how the state spends transportation revenue, and “help move Virginia’s smart travel plans into the 21st century,” as Delegate Villanueva said. It aims to update Virginia’s Smart Travel Program, which involves using advanced technologies to provide a faster traffic flow.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has installed Intelligent Transportation Systems in various locations around the state, with traffic operation centers that use traffic cameras to detect congestion and verify accident locations. This technology can send emergency services as soon as possible, along with variable message signs, that inform drivers of delays and road incidents. The bill should help ensure additional funding for development and implementation of new smart-road technologies in parts of the state that have traffic congestion problems.
Delegate Chris Peace’s says that his bill will “create a mechanism to fund and refine innovation transportation initiatives that utilize 21st century technology” and “help spur innovation.”
Other Initiatives
In addition to these bills, there are other transportation reform initiatives, such as House Bill 1098, that will require investment in a smart transportation pilot zone in Northern Virginia or in Hampton Roads, as these regions are most heavily affected by congestion. This pilot zone will use the Smart Road Program model, and will be funded by the VDOT and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Furthermore, Delegate Chris Stolle introduced a bill that should reform transportation prioritization, requiring “stakeholders from various regions, including highway construction districts, metropolitan planning organizations and the CTB, will collaboratively set “weights” for key factors such as congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety and environmental quality.”
If these proposed bill are passed, that are mainly aimed towards changing the way transportation revenue is spent and implementing new technologies in transportation, Virginia should be able to reduce traffic congestion, as well as CO2 emissions from motor vehicles.
For more, check out our post on how increasing speed limits could help reduce traffic.