As far as being able to carry the load that an interstate would provide, access management couldn't hold a candle to it. It's a nice thing, but it won't take the place of an interstate. The public should at least be aware of the alternatives to I-73, Rogers said. They're trying to go back in time to when the federal government used to hand down decisions on building an interstate. That has been our commitment to the public - that we would be very careful and leave no stone unturned.
Interstate opponents say historical sites and environmental issues are their best means of defense.
Henry County residents somehow got I-73 rerouted. The endangered fish, farm land and forests are concerns that may affect the federal approval of I-73. The new plan through Henry County will also cost just a little less to build. It won't be an interstate in West Virginia. In Virginia, the section from Bluefield to Roanoke is on the back burner.