Construction for a new flyover ramp in Alexandria, VA will begin on Monday, but citizens remain concerned about the levels of nitrogen dioxide the ramp will produce. According to homeowner Mary Hasty, nitrogen dioxide will rise up to 20 times higher than the EPA considers safe for residential living, and these levels will reach this point in under an hour once the ramp is open. The release of toxins will affect people within a 1-mile radius of the flyover ramp, affecting over 75,000 residents in the area. Many homeowners have hired legal representatives to investigate the damage caused due to the ramp. Representatives found that PM 2.5, another toxic chemical, will be affecting residents in the area. The chemical is so small, the human body has no immune defense to it, which allows the chemical to literally shred the lungs if inhaled.
The Virginia Department of Transportation disagrees with these findings stating, “Our environmental document was approved by the Federal Highway Administration and was consistent with EPA guidelines in 2011 for air quality.” VDOT has measured its pollution levels at several points in the area and received approval from the EPA to begin construction. However, residents still remain unconvinced about the measures taken by VDOT and are attempting to arrange a meeting with elected officials from the Fairfax and Alexandria counties.
The 1-95 express lanes will run just under 30 miles from Stafford County to Edsall Road. The construction will cost up to $1 billion and is scheduled to be finished in December of 2014.
