Smith said he was concerned about the route's effect on the Buena Vista neighborhood in Southeast, and hoped some adjustments can still be made. He added that he was sure none of the seven council members would ask VDOT not to build the road. Clark Thomas, who lives on Arbutus Avenue Southeast, told listeners at the news conference that activists on his side of the river got VDOT to shift the route out of their Riverland neighborhood because it has several older homes that may qualify it as a historic district. As a result, the route was moved just across the river. 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.