VIRGINIA FACES $1.7 BILLION HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE SHORTFALL AS STATE CONSIDERS CUTTING CONSTRUCTION FUNDING

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Virginia transportation officials are considering major changes to highway funding as the Commonwealth faces an estimated $1.7 billion shortfall for road and bridge maintenance.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is reviewing a proposal that would redirect money from certain construction and transportation projects to address deteriorating pavement and other maintenance needs.

According to reporting by Virginia Mercury, the proposal would provide an additional $239 million annually for pavement repairs beginning in fiscal year 2028.

The plan also includes using approximately $300 million in transportation bonds to help reduce the impact on construction funding.

However, the changes could affect several transportation projects throughout Virginia.

The state's Smart Scale transportation funding program could experience a reduction of approximately 25 percent under the proposed plan.

Smart Scale provides funding for projects involving roadway improvements, traffic safety, and other transportation priorities.

State officials say rising construction costs and an expanding network of roads and bridges have contributed to the financial challenges.

Over the last two decades, Virginia's transportation infrastructure has grown significantly, increasing the amount of maintenance required each year.

Transportation officials also report that highway construction and maintenance costs have roughly doubled over the past decade.

The proposed changes have raised questions about how Virginia will balance repairs to existing infrastructure with the need for new roads, intersections, and other improvements.

Several projects could be moved to alternative funding sources or required to compete again for state transportation dollars.

The proposal remains under consideration and has not received final approval.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is scheduled to vote on the plan December 9.

The decision could influence transportation funding and construction priorities across Virginia for years to come.

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