The Elm Avenue interchange has caused long delays for motorists since it was built in the 1960s, and increasing traffic from Bedford County feeds into it from Virginia 24. The I-73 project gives road builders their first chance to get the huge amounts of money necessary to fix that interchange. I-581 can handle the new interstate's traffic because plans are in the works to add lanes. I-581 would be widened to four lanes downtown, and near Valley View Mall it would split into collector lanes for local traffic while providing express lanes for through traffic. September 17 Candidates take I-73 en route to November Interstate 73 has overlaid itself on the road map of this fall's election campaign, with several Democrats lining up against its proposed route through Southeast Roanoke and Roanoke County.
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.