You Can Do Something About Your Commute! (Finally): VDOT Plans Meetings in Manassas

Virginia Department of Transportation officials will hold two information seminars next week to gather public input on future improvement plans for Interstate 66.

A Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being developed by VDOT, the Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to examine potential multimodal improvements—including bus, rail transit and car modes—that will address existing and future transportation needs along the corridor from U.S. 15 in Prince William County to the Beltway in Fairfax County.

The first meeting is in Manassas on Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton at 10800 Vandor Lane.

A second meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at VDOT offices at 4975 Alliance Drive in Fairfax.

The public is encouraged to stop by the meetings anytime within the three-hour time frame.

The study will produce a Tier 1 EIS. This differs from traditional impact statements in that it focuses on broad issues to determine the best program of improvements for the I-66 Corridor. The plan includes:

• Purpose and need
  
  
• Travel modes (bus, carpool, rail transit, car, etc.)
  
  
• Technology choices
  
  
• The general location of proposed improvements

Subsequent studies will follow the Tier 1 EIS and evaluate the concepts further, according to officials.

But for now, public meetings are being held to gather additional input to further define the transportation problems in the corridor and refine the, “Purpose and Need” statement for the Tier 1 EIS study.

For more information, visit: helpfix66.com

Can't make it to the meeting next week? Give your recommendations in the comment section below to be forwarded to transportation officials!