Va. seeks Route 460 proposals

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) - The state is asking for detailed proposals to build a new U.S. Route 460.

In 2006, three firms submitted proposals to build the new highway at a cost of more than $1 billion. They proposed paying for it through tolls, loans and state-issued bonds.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says the request for detailed proposals calls for cuts and other changes in light of the current financial situation.

VDOT in 2003 began a study to realign Route 460, a flooding-prone hurricane evacuation route that also carries a lot of truck traffic.

The project has stalled due to a lack of state funds. State officials hope to build the road with a public-private partnership.