Frustrated by state inaction, Prince William County has launched the most ambitious locally funded road-improvement program in Virginia: $1.5 billion in spending over 15 years.
In theory, it makes sense for transportation and land use planning to take place at the same level of government. In theory, Prince William would be less likely to approve comprehensive plans and rezoning projects that will overwhelm the local transportation structure if it assumes financial responsibility for fixing the traffic problems that result.
In the latest Road to Ruin article, writer Peter Galuszka takes a look at the Prince William transportation plan. Clearly, Prince William is more proactive than its neighbors. But environmentalists and smart-growth advocates offer two main points of criticism: (1) The County is spending the money on roads, paying little heed to the mass transit option, and (2) the county is showering money on larger highways and arterial roads to the detriment of local street networks. Read the story here.
Update: PWC board chairman Sean Connaughton responded to a criticism in the story suggesting that the County is neglecting mass transit in its transportation strategy. In point of fact, he says, “We are expanding the county’s bus system (now the fastest growing in the country); we have a transit lane planned on Route 1 and the Prince William Parkway; and our future bond referendum includes massive transit improvements.”