Winston-Salem loop’s ranking is questioned

It should be higher on DOT list, city officials say

(By Wesley Young, Winston-Salem Journal) - State highway officials say it makes a lot of sense to rank urban loop projects by comparing the benefits of a project to the cost.

But officials in Winston-Salem are still wondering how a formula that was supposed to be fair put the city's beltway wishes at the bottom of the pile -- at the same time recommending more beltway construction for some cities that already have portions in place.

"I think the process has some flaws," said Stan Polanis, the transportation director in Winston-Salem. "We have long-range transportation plans that sort of count on that road being in place. I'm not sure what happens if it is not there."

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