Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe visited Fredericksburg Friday, July 8, 2016, as part of a media tour announcing $165 million in federal Fastlane Grant funding for the state’s planned Atlantic Gateway Project.
“Virginia got 20 percent of the entire pot of federal FASTLANE grant money,” McAuliffe said. The $165 million FASTLANE grant will leverage $565 million in private investments and $710 million in other transportation funds to:
– Extend the 95 Express Lanes 10 miles south to Fredericksburg to alleviate backups at the current southern terminus
– Construct a new southbound bridge on I-95 across the Rappahannock River
– Build 14 miles of new rail track to improve reliability and capacity for freight, commuter, and passenger rail service, including phase I of the project to unlock rail congestion at Long Bridge
– Extend 95 Express Lanes for seven miles north to the Potomac River and improve access to the Pentagon
– Provide dedicated on-going reinvestment in expanded bus service in the corridor to ensure that all populations have access to jobs, education and health care services
– Add new commuter parking, technology upgrades and truck parking along the corridor
– Build pavement for autonomous vehicle enhancement; this will provide the infrastructure to test and deploy driverless cars
– Acquire the S-line, an abandoned rail corridor that runs from North Carolina to the Richmond area, from CSX to provide public ownership of a corridor key for future Southeast High Speed Rail
“This $1.4 billion will affect all modes of transportation, and build a new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe said. He mentioned road construction would include plans for “autonomous vehicles,” with the hopes of attracting smart car developers and manufacturers to the state.
“This project is a game changer for the Fredericksburg area,” said Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. “Our quality of life, economic development and public safety rely on transportation. Relief of the choke point here is huge.”
“This proves that a regional, collaborative approach works,” said Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce President Susan Spears.
The event was held at the I-95 Virginia Welcome Center in Fredericksburg. Other speakers included Stafford County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Laura Sellers and Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors Member Gary Skinner.
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Virginia Wins Grant for 95 Express Lanes Extension, Rappahannock River Bridge
