RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Federal highway officials are putting the brakes on a proposed bypass to ease congestion in Albemarle County.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s office said Wednesday the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation was informed by the Federal Highway Administration this week that the state cannot move forward with the U.S. 29 Western Bypass.
Federal officials said the project does not meet its stated purpose and that Virginia transportation officials should review possible alternatives.
The news comes hours before a major public hearing on the proposed bypass.
McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy says the governor has long believed the project needed additional consideration.
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