1958 - U.S. 220 Hookup Study Urged

[NW Mailing List]

Sounds like they were just beginning the design studies of what would 
eventually become the Webber Expressway (I-581/U.S. 220) through downtown 
Roanoke.  I can attest that the Tazewell Avenue grade crossing still exists. 
In fact I came upon an accident there a couple of years ago and got some 
great pictures of the UP lead unit which had plowed up a bit of ballast with 
a little white car.  I don't think anyone was hurt, but the woman driving 
was sure shook up.

Sam :Putney

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NW Mailing List" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
To: <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 7:32 AM
Subject: 1958 - U.S. 220 Hookup Study Urged



> Roanoke Times - February 22, 1958

>

> U.S. 220 Hookup Study Urged

>

> Grade Crossing Elimination Urged

>

>  City Engineer H. C. Broyles has proposed a re-study of the downtown 

> segment of the proposed U.S. 220 throughway from the south end of Hunter 

> memorial Bridge to Franklin road bridge for the purpose of possibly 

> eliminating the Tazewell avenue grade crossing.

>   In a letter to be submitted to City Council Monday by City Manager 

> Arthur S. Owens, Broyles suggests that the Norfolk and Western Railway be 

> asked to bear half the estimated $3,000 cost of the new engineering 

> studies.

>   A preliminary re-study has already been made by the Engineering 

> Department and it has been found that considerable work, including 

> additional field surveys, will be required in order to make an intelligent 

> and proper analysis of the grade crossing problem.

>   Due to the heavy work load that is imposed on his department, Broyles 

> pointed out, it is felt that this is a problem that will have to be worked 

> out beyond the normal city working hours.

>   He suggested that the restudy be made by the department personnel on the 

> same basis as the preliminary survey study for the north-south throughway 

> south of the viaduct, and the employes have agreed to the undertaking.

>   The final plans for the throughway provided for four-lane traffic over 

> the Tazewell avenue crossing, with the throughway spanning the street.

>   Broyles recalled that there was dissatisfaction at a public hearing on 

> the plans because the proposed improvements failed to provide what was 

> considered the necessary outlet for the southeast area.

>   Council has the throughway plans under study and the Department of 

> Highways, which has approved them, has done some preliminary programming 

> with the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, but the entire project hinges on 

> Council's decision.

>

> -----------------------------------

>

> - Ron Davis, Roger Link

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________________

> NW-Mailing-List at nwhs.org

> To change your subscription go to

> http://list.nwhs.org/mailman/options/nw-mailing-list

> Browse the NW-Mailing-List archives at

> http://list.nwhs.org/pipermail/nw-mailing-list/