It was welcome news this week when the Transportation Review Advisory Council announced it has approved funding to the complete the long-awaited Chesapeake Bypass project.

When finished, the bypass will complete the interchanges on State Route 7, east of Chesapeake, to the completed interchange to the west.

Connecting with Interstate 64 via the Merritt Creek interchange and using the existing bypass near Fairland East Elementary, the projects will form an Huntington Outer Belt, which would bring traffic to U.S. 52.

Travelers headed to Columbus could then also make use of the new Portsmouth Bypass, which was finished last year.

Not only will this shorten the trip, but it could be a major boost in drawing business to Lawrence County and boost economic development for the area through better transportation infrastructure.

Residents in Lawrence County have been hoping for completion of this project for years and it is almost always a topic raised when candidates for statewide office, as well as officials, visit the area.

The nearly $5 million in funds will be put to good use with this project and we are glad to hear the news.