Considered A Priority?

"Considered a Priority" by who? On February 15, 2008, less than two years ago, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters stated that the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway has long been considered a priority by the Federal Highway Administration and the N.C. Department of Transportation. Secretary Peters also stated, "For Triad area drivers routinely stuck in traffic, this day couldn't come soon enough".

In February, 2008 the Record of Decision (ROD) was the final clearance...everything was on go..right-of-way acquisitions and construction planning. The estimated cost was more than $1 billion. Eastern Section estimated at $445.2 million and the Western Section at $447.2 million.

PRIORITIES CHANGE, as we are learning. Especially for those of us, after years of waiting, for that day when we could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. For those of us that are "Stuck in Limbo". All that went away when the DOT said that everything was on hold (a year ago) due to the State budget cuts. How does the state run out of money to build roads? What happen to the Highway Trust Fund for this project? Where did it go and what did it go for? Transparency just isn't happening.

What a difference a year can make! Other projects are NOW CONSIDERED A PRIORITY. The state budget shortfalls somehow do not affect these projects, to name a few:

Project U-2826: US52 "I-40 BYPASS TO PROPOSED WESTERN LOOP - Widen and Upgrade Roadway and Interchanges (12 miles) - "Right-of-Way In Progress" FY2009 - Federal-Aid Hight Priority

Project R-4750: US52 "Future I-285" (Davidson/Forsyth) - I85 to I40 - Upgrade Existing Roadway to Interstate Standards (23 miles) - "Right-of-Way FY2009"

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  When are they going to end the Highway Trust Fund transfers?
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  When are they going to take politics out of building roads?
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  Just take a look at all the projects around the state capital and ask your local representatives - What exactly are you doing for the Triad Area?

Wouldn't you say the "good ole boy" way of getting things done is little dated. Obviously, it is still alive and well, along with political clout.

TO ALL PROPONENTS FOR THE NORTHERN BELTWAY

WELCOME! This is a new blog for all of those that are proponents for the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway . We were promised this wonderful beltway many many years ago that would improve roadway connectivity in Forsyth County, reduce traffic congestion and extend the I-74 through the Eastern Section of the beltway. Also we were promised economic development, tourism, and job creation for our area. Unfortunately, we will never see this until our elected officials come through with their promises.......or in the next election, vote others in -- we know will fulfill those promises. All we need to do right now is remind those we elected to PLEASE remember Forsyth County and our needs. WE NEED THE WINSTON-SALEM NORTHERN BELTWAY AND WE NEED IT NOW!

Meanwhile, we see our taxpayer money earmarked for the WSNB going toward lawsuits that are doing, no more than ----- delaying what will eventually be built.

Stay tuned to other information concerning the WSNB and to join other proponents for the beltway. If you care about our area and enjoy living here, we need to join together to continue to encourage our politicians to bring the economic growth needed by ALL.