A green light or yellow light for the ICC?

I first heard the news last night on the radio, but apparently a federal judge has paved the way (pun intended) for the Intercounty Connector, better known as the ICC, to begin construction.

The ICC, the proposed highway that would traverse Montgomery and Prince George's County, MD, from Gaithersburg to Laurel (essentially linking Interstates 270 and 95), has been the subject of massive controversy because of protests from environmental groups, claiming that the environmental study conducted on the project was flawed and inadequate. Despite these protests, Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. signed off on the environmental study, which essentially green-lights construction to begin. I have no doubt, though, that the environmental groups will appeal the case—thus reducing that green light to a yellow light.

Even though I have no use for the road personally (since I live in Virgina), I nevertheless think the ICC is a great idea, because as it stands right now, if someone from Gaithersburg or the 270 corridor wants to make their way over to the 95 corridor, there's very little to do except drive down to the Beltway and take it west to 95—which encompasses a lot of travel time, particularly in rush hour. The ICC can effectively eliminate that need, plus relieve a good bit of congestion on 270, 495, and 95.

It amazes me, too, that this piece of road has been the subject of intense debate for nearly 50 years! That means it was being debated back before the Beltway was even built!