Still, Hill and others in Riverland worry about their homes. Those fears contributed to the designation of the Riverland Historic District last year along Riverland Road. VDOT officials say they are tweaking the proposed route to avoid the houses, most of which are at least 50 years old. Even if the road comes, Hill said, some residents indicate they wouldn't leave the neighborhood because they don't want to take on a new mortgage in middle age. Others would leave.
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.