In 1995 the Roanoke Valley Business Council, representing 50 of the area's largest companies, asked their local governments to support a route generally following Interstate 581 and U.S. 220. The local governments agreed to leading the Commonwealth Transportation Board to adopt that corridor and direct the VDOT staff to concentrate its study there. The study now under way on the environmental impact of each proposed corridor must analyze every endangered species and historical site along each path.
Sensitive wildlife habitats such as wetlands also have to be considered.
Construction can be delayed for years by litigation if the environmental study isn't thorough. I oppose I-73. There are three excellent ways to voice your opinion. An opportunity will come this fall when VDOT accepts public comment on its Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Another way to participate is to let your elected representatives know how you feel.