Reasons for Opposing Beltway Expansion

• Projects Do Not Reduce Traffic
  Various studies have proven this
  
  
• Project Construction Creates More Traffic and Delays
  Projects Experts have pointed out that while the current Springfield (Mixing Bowl) project is being built, the amount of time the average commuter will lose during the construction delays will never be made up in the lifetime of any living commuter.
  
  
• There is no End! Expansion is Linked to Other Projects
  In Plan 2020, the Beltway widening project is linked to plans to build a 12-lane replacement for the Wilson Bridge. Construction on the bridge is due to begin in late 2000, long before the first spade of dirt is turned on any Beltway project. The proponents of a wider Beltway, however, will argue that a commitment to a 12-lane Bridge absolutely requires a 12-lane Beltway. They will make every effort to bulldoze through the massive Beltway project on the back of the Wilson Bridge project, as if the two were one, instead of being two separate and distinct undertakings. Go to VDOT's site to read more about the Wilson Bridge project: http://www.wilsonbridge.com
  
  
• No Coordination between Maryland & Virginia
  The 2020 Transportation Plan's call for a 12-lane Beltway is not in synch with Maryland's plan for its portion of the Beltway. Virginia favors more vehicle lanes and treats transit as an unwanted distant cousin. Maryland favors rail, specifically the Purple Line, and downplays more lanes. Maryland officials also say they are likely to call for an EIS in conjunction with any construction on their site.
  
  In a January 30, 2000 Washington Post article, the differences were summarized succinctly:

  "The (Beltway) exemplifies the distance between Maryland and Virginia in transportation policy"…Maryland transportation planners "are considering adding at most two lanes, solely for car pools, and are also reviewing five alternative rail alignments parallel to the Beltway."

  The conclusion is obvious, even if Virginia constructs a 12-lane Beltway, motorists will hit stupefying bottlenecks where the lanes narrow at the Potomac crossings. The backup will be felt all along the Beltway, throughout Virginia and Maryland.
  
  
• Projects Harm Natural and Social Environments
  Road widening and building projects take a severe toll on both natural and social environments by destroying greenspace and wildlife, decreasing air and water quality (from more pavement and cars pollution), destroying historic sites, and dividing communities with roads.
  
  
• There are Solutions that solve traffic problems instead of creating more!