Anne Runyon: Short-sighted plan for loop

Regarding the Feb. 4 news article “DOT picks route for closing 540 loop”: I have mixed feelings about DOT’s route choices for completing the 540 Outer Loop around Raleigh.

I am relieved that Garner is not going to be slashed in two by the dreaded Red Route. However, and more important, I am angered by the short-sighted planning behind this transportation plan.

The southern part of Wake County is extremely valuable because of its rural nature and less developed landscape. This area still has remarkably clean streams and wetlands, such as Swift Creek where the dwarf wedge mussel was found. This land and its wetlands provide a natural filter for the water flowing from Raleigh toward our coast.

If we want to preserve our estuaries and coastal waters, we need to value and protect large areas of undeveloped land right here in the Piedmont.

Lapping new roads around the city will send developmental sprawl into southern Wake County and rapidly cause more pollution and congestion. Think in terms of spokes rather than loops for our transportation needs.

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Anne Runyon: Short-sighted plan for loop."