The state must cut nearly $1 billion out of an already austere transportation budget by the end of the year, further delaying critical road improvements - some of which would substantially relieve traffic congestion.

Over the past couple of years, major projects have been dropped - because of shrinking revenue - from the state's six-year road building plan. Dropped projects includ e the widening of Interstate 64 both in South Hampton Roads and on the Peninsula and improvements to the Interstate 64/264 interchange.

Now, with the latest reductions, officials warn that the blow will be felt for many years beyond what the state's spreadsheets show.

Obviously, fewer roads will be built. But in addition, fewer roads will be planned and designed. That means that if or when funding is restored, projects won't be ready to go.