January 2004

Asphalt Rivers

Getting where you want to go when you want to go requires some forethought

by Patrick Evans-Hylton

Hampton Roads is awash in a ribbon of asphalt rivers.

North to south, east to west, there are major roads and major woes across the region. Like other metropolitan areas, Hampton Roads has its share of traffic problems. But unlike most others, the problems are exacerbated by all the water surrounding us. All it takes is one breakdown in one of the tunnels or on one of the bridges to back traffic up for miles.

As the roadway infrastructure ages, traffic tie-ups only seem to get worse. In 2000, capacity was exceeded on 268 days at the Downtown Tunnel, 188 days at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and 102 days at the Midtown Tunnel, according to a position paper by the Yes Campaign to Reduce Traffic Congestion. The coalition also says traffic congestion costs each peak road traveler in Hampton Roads approximately $500 a year.

So, how to navigate the blacktop streams? Here is some information you’ll want to know before putting the car in Drive.

For the rest of this story, you can order the January 2004 issue of Hampton Roads Monthly magazine.