Summer Vacation Road Trip - Day 2 - Charlottesville to Elizabeth, PA

The second leg of the trip home was from Charlottesville northwards to Elizabeth. I wanted to hike and visit Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia along with take a view of Seneca Rocks. I took a little detour to get back to the Casselman River Bridges on US 40 - but it started to pour down rain when I began taking pictures. Go figure.

If you'd like to see the entire roadtrip portion of the photo set, head here!

To start...and to prove I still take sign photos...

cutouts for US 33 and VA 42 in Harrisonburg - the light changed faster than I expected so I got a rather amateur shot of this.

Anyways, I started by following the old Seminole Trail north of Charlottesville to US 33 near Ruckersville. Mainly just to follow the old alignment - and to try and get photos of the old truss bridge over the North Fork of the Rivanna. Unfortunately, the bridge is being replaced and the road was closed...so I had to detour a little bit. I would really have liked to get photos of that bridge, oh well.

There are some great scenic views on US 33 in West Virginia. The first is right at the state line -

The next view point is just west of Franklin of the Germany Valley. There are some rather impressive views here.



I finally got to Seneca Rocks and by this time it was rather cloudy. I did stop by the visitor's center and took photos. I do wish I had hiked to the one overlook to see the rocks from that perspective. I had thought I would be doing more hiking at Blackwater Falls, more on that later.

Seneca Rocks are an impressive rock outcropping that rises about 900 feet over the North Fork River. The rocks are a destination for rock climbers - and there are a few climbing schools in the area. For the entire Seneca Rocks Set on Flickr - head here.




The town of Seneca Rocks is extremely small..and it almost seems like something you may find in the Rockies. Besides the climbing schools, there is a general store, and a neat abandoned Auto Building with an old neon Ford Tractor sign.



Next was Blackwater Falls State Park, which I had been wanting to explore for sometime. The falls are awesome. They are definitely worth the visit. I was slightly disappointed with the hiking trails...most are segmented and under a mile...to do a six mile hike you may be on five or six different 'named' trails. But the falls, they are amazing - and are worth the visit. Not a bad view to be walking down to eh? For the entire Blackwater Falls set on flickr, go here.



From Blackwater Falls, I headed back to Elizabeth, but I had to stop at what is supposedly the smallest church in the Lower 48 - Our Lady of the Pines in Silver Lake, WV


Oddly enough, right next to Our Lady of the Pines - is the "World's Smallest Mailing Station".


Next, I decided to take some backroads in Maryland and made my way to Grantsville to get some photos of the "Little Crossings" Bridge - the massive 1813 Stone Arch bridge that carries the old National Road over the Casselman River. Just as I started to get photos, it began to pour down rain. Ruining my chance to walk around the area and get more photos of Penn Alps and of Grantsville.


It rained most of the way back, so I didn't get a chance to get photos of the Addison Toll House or the new US 40 briodge over Yough Lake. Oh well, there are other days for that.

What project is more important? Charlotte planning organization to debate ranking of three projects

1. Widening/Upgrading Independence Blvd. (US 74) to an Expressway
2. Building the Monroe Bypass (US 74)
3. Completing the Interstate 485 Outer Loop

How would you rank in importance and need of these three Charlotte Transportation Projects?

That's the current ranking of the Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization, but that could change. They are meeting today to debate on shifting the priorities for the region's transportation needs.

And there's a little bit of political pressure too:

Governor Perdue has promised (during her election campaign) that construction on I-485 would begin this year, and it would be finished by 2013. But Transportation Officials admit that they don't have the funding to start now or even in the next few years.

To fulfill this promise, funding for other projects would have to be delayed in order to complete the highway. That could put projects like the widening and upgrade of Independence Blvd. way back on the "To Do List".

And in order to smooth the path in getting funding arranged - a green light by a shift of priorities by an organization like MUMPO - can help set the stage for it. If the local planning organization sees, the completion of I-485 as the top priority for the region, DOT officials can point to that to move money from other projects to the top of the list.

Though I would like Interstate 485 completed somewhat in my lifetime, I agree with the current MUMPO ranking and that improving and upgrading Independence Blvd. is and should remain the top choice.

Over the past 15 years, Independence Blvd. has been upgraded with interchanges at major intersections and better control of access to the various commercial/retail buildings and minor side streets. It has seen the elimination of numerous traffic lights allowing for quicker access to Uptown Charlotte from the eastern suburbs. So far the project has been completed from the Belk Freeway (I-277) to Albemarle Road (NC 27). The next phase of the project, which is staged to go all the way out to I-485, is to extend the expressway to Idlewild Road. This 1.4 mile extension is expected to begin in 2012. (You can see the plans for this segment here.)

The cost of this 1.4 mile upgrade is about $150 million - or just under 3/4ths the cost to finish I-485.

Story Link w/video:
Other projects to pay to fulfill Purdue's I-485 promise ---News14Carolina

Either way, its a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, what do you think?

Say what? A completed Garden Parkway could increase traffic on Interstate 85

I had to read this story twice more just to make sure I read this right.

Recent traffic projections by the state show I-85 having more traffic on it in 2030 with the Garden Parkway built than if it wasn't.

Here are the figures:

AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) in 2030:

I 85: US 321 to Gaston/Mecklenburg County Line -

With entire Garden Parkway Built - 137,600 vehicles
With Garden Parkway built to US 321 - 139,300 vehicles
With NONE of the Garden Parkway Built - 134,600 vehicles

Opponents of the Parkway see this new data as another piece of their argument in stopping the Parkway from being built.

Story Link:
'Garden Parkway' could actually increase traffic on I-85 --Gaston Gazette

Commentary:
This is definitely an interesting stat if you are against the highway. That along with the comparisons to the troubled Southern Connector in Greenville, SC start to make a persuasive argument - beyond typical NIMBY-ism - against the construction of this toll road.

A few things of note: First, the writer in the Gaston Gazette article fails to mention that the traffic increase on I-85 if the Garden Parkway is anywhere from 3,000 to 4,700 more vehicles per day, depending on how much of the parkway is built. So in reality, the estimated volumes would only be somewhere between 2.2 and 3.5% higher if the road is not built. It's not that much of an increase, but it certainly doesn't make sense.

Turnpike Authority officials say that the Garden Parkway isn't a 'fix' to I-85 traffic or even an alternative, but as said in the article - Its broader goal is to “establish connectivity and mobility across the Catawba River.” Well, wouldn't building a free highway bridge from Belmont over to I-485 do exactly that?

The thing is: the proposed highway is toll because of the cost. I've been reading $1.4 billion to $915 million. And about three years ago, the NCTA doubled the estimates of their original cost findings.

Details likes these makes it very easy to stick by my position that the only necessary part of this project is a US 321 Gastonia Bypass...and that was taken off the table from the original non-toll proposal..years ago.

Summer Vacation Road Trip - Day 1 - Charlottesville, VA

Taking a break from the hard news stories.

Earlier this month, I headed home to Pennsylvania from here in Raleigh. Traditionally, I try to split the trip home by staying overnight somewhere along the way. This year, I stayed in Charlottesville, VA. And was able to tour Monticello and later walk around the campus of the University of Virginia.

Monticello is certainly worth a visit. I would recommend about a half day to spend there. I took a half day off work and was able to get to the grounds at 3:30. The park closes at 5 pm, but the ground remain open until 6. I walked around the grounds to just about 6.

Cost is $20 and includes the tour of Monticello and other tours of the grounds. The Monticello home tour is about an hour - and is extremely worth it. It is hard to put into words all of the unique features - and at that time well ahead of its time technologies. The tour guides are well versed, personable, and excellent. Of course, you can not take photos of the inside of the house. But photography is welcomed anywhere else on the grounds.

For the entire flickr set of Monticello - click here.



The flowers along the grounds are amazing. Jefferson saw himself as first and foremost as a farmer. In fact, during the 1800 Census - while he was Vice President - he listed his occupation as exactly that, a farmer.


After checking in at the hotel, I headed down to the University of Virginia and walked the grounds of the University of Virginia. The grounds are impressive.

For the entire UVA photo set on flickr - click here.




Of course, the main hang out place on campus is known as 'The Corner'. There a number of bars, restaurants, book stores, coffee shops, you name it sit. I ate a Restaurant/bar called '3'. On Tuesday's, everything on the menu is $5. Not a bad deal!

Opponents of Garden Parkway rally in Belmont

Opponents of the Garden Parkway held a protest last night outside the Belmont City Hall. Sixty opponents of the Gaston County toll road hoped that their presence would persuade Belmont City Council to pass a measure in opposition of the toll highway.

In addition to the protests outside, those against the highway were permitted to speak at the 7 pm council meeting.

Though loud and with widespread Charlotte and Gastonia Media Coverage, their desired goal did not occur. By a 3-2 vote, the Belmont City Council reaffirmed their support for the 'Middle Route' of the Garden Parkway.

The vote did not deter the members of Communities Taking a Stand Against the Toll Road as they plan to continue their fight against the highway.

Story Links:
Garden Parkway opponents rally against toll road ---Gaston Gazette
Debate on proposed Belmont toll road continues on I-485 ---News14Carolina w/video
Toll Road Protests Fails to Sway Town Council ---WSOC-TV w/video

Raleigh News & Observer features a drive along old US 421

The Raleigh News & Observer is running a summer feature series on a 1939 WPA Travel Guide on North Carolina. The book was titled "North Carolina: A Guide to the Old North State" and featured numerous detailed roadtrips throughout the state. This summer the N&O is retracing these routes to see how 70 years of time has changed - or even not have changed - the sights and towns along the way.

Today's Feature covers a drive along what is now Old US 421 from Liberty to Buies Creek. It's a great read, and the former alignment of US 421 is certainly worth exploring on your own.

The old route is best taken slowly ---Raleigh News & Observer
Photos I took last year along some of this route ---On Flickr

Though the book is no longer published - it can be found in local libraries - and even now and then on eBay. It's a great piece of North Carolina History.

UPDATE: You can find a copy of the guide on the Internet Archive.

USDOT loans $384 million for Triangle Expressway

Another piece of the complex financing puzzle for the Triangle Expressway (NC 540) fell into place today, as the US Department of Transportation signed off on a $384 million load for construction of the toll road.

This along with two other pieces - $600 million in bond sales (which have just been recently put on the market) and from an annual $25 million in 'gap financing' in the North Carolina budget. the total cost of the 12.6 toll road about $1.1 billion.

The loan comes from the USDOT's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan program. The Triangle Expressway's tolls will help to repay that loan.

The hope is to start construction later this year - maybe as soon as August (though that line has been used for two or three straight years now) - with completion of the Durham Freeway/I-40 connector by 2012 and the entire highway by 2013.

We'll see how accurate those dates are.

Story Links w/video:
$384M loan approved for Triangle Expressway's future ---News14Carolina
Money approved to extend I-540 ---WTVD-TV

Carolina Bays Parkway Extension to start within a year

If you travel anywhere in Horry County - whether as a tourist or as a resident - there's going to be a lot of construction going on in 2010.

The final piece of the Carolina Bays Parkway - from SC 544 to SC 707 - is scheduled to see construction begin next summer. And at the same time, SC 707 will be widened to four lanes from the Parkway to US 17.

Currently, the final phases of design and right-of-way acquisition of the 4.2 mile extension is underway. Construction should begin next summer and completion in 2013.

Story w/video: Carolina Bays Parkway extension moves forward ---WMBF-TV

Garden Parkway Opponents Compare Gaston Toll Road to Greenville SC's Southern Connector

This is an interesting point that the opponents of the Garden Parkway are making. Does it carry any weight though?

Opponents of the Garden Parkway - the NCTA project that runs through southern and western Gaston County - are using a South Carolina Toll Road as an example of a 'sure thing' toll road that hasn't lived up to expectations and promises.

The troubled Southern Connector (aka Toll I-185) in Greenville, SC opened earlier this decade as a missing link in Greenville's transportation network. The highway afforded motorists the ability to bypass congestted areas of I-85 in the Greenville area.

However, the Southern Connector more often than sits empty. In fact, vehicular traffic is half than expected, and unless debt refinancing takes place the whole project is scheduled to go into default this coming January. Currently the roadway handlesabout 8,000 vehicles a day. Over the past few years, the Connector has been using its reserves to pay off debt.

Opponents of the Garden Parkway have been pointing to the struggling South Carolina Highway as an example of what they believe will be similar results for the North Carolina Toll Road. They see traffic projections and as a result revenues falling short causing the state to scrounge around to cover bad debts.

This, opponents say, is in addition to the annual $35 million the state will pay in 'gap funding' to build the Garden Parkway over the next 40 years. "If a toll road can't pay for itself - why build it?" seems to be the logic of those against the highway.

Supporters and NCTA officials obviously see otherwise. First, they point out to the differences in the size of the Greenville and Charlotte Metro Areas. Greenville's metro population is 625,000 which is significantly smaller than Charlotte's metro population which is about 1.7 million. They also point to more detailed studies and surveys supproting growth in the Charlotte area and specifically Gaston County.

Finally, the NCTA points out that since some of the financing for North Carolina Toll Projects, including the Garden Parkway, are backed by tax dollars - the tolls don't have to cover all the bills.

Story Links:
Millions already spent on parkway ---Gaston Gazette
Public might not warm to toll roads ---Mooresville Tribune

Commentary:

This is an interesting point - and the financial struggles of the Southern Connector makes it more so. With doubt statewide on the ability to finance the toll roads- let along the viability and need for some of these highways - arguments like this one have a lot of validity.

The Garden Parkway has had a controversial history - and throw in a bridge over the Catawba River - an expensive one too. Original plans for the highway carried the road north of I-85 to connecting with US 321 between Dallas and Lincolnton - effectively a US 321 bypass. However, the section north of I-85 seems to have been removed from any plans.

As Gaston County grows, Interstate 85 will only become more gridlocked. But with I-485, along with most of the county's close proximity to this road, travel to the airport and various points around Metro Charlotte is not that difficult.

The truth of the matter is that a US 321 Gastonia bypass (which doesn't need to be tolled) is more needed than a Southern Gaston County Freeway that runs to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Espescially one that will be tolled and parallel to Interstate 85 five to eight miles further south.

Another small piece of the King Coal Highway nears completion

Slowly but surely another piece of the King Coal Highway (future Interstate 73 and 74) comes closer to completion in West Virginia.

Work crews are in the final stages of completing a $16.2 million bridge project in Bluefield. The project will take the highway from US 52/460 and carry the highway approximately 160 feet over US 19. However, the highway will still be a "Road To Nowhere" as this project will cause the highway to dead end into a hillside.

Officials are hoping to gain funding in the 2010 federal highway transportation bill to complete the highway to Route 123 to complete a 2.6 mile extension of the King Coal northwards from the US 52/460 interchange. U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., is requesting $60 million for the project.

Story: King Coal Highway Bridge close to completion - Bluefield Daily Telegraph