SPRINGFIELD -- The Greene County  Highway Department is touting a proposed east-west four-lane road in the far southern part of the county as a way to ease traffic congestion on the south side of Springfield.  Others don't see the benefits as clearly.

When the Harkraeters moved to Springfield, they chose a quiet neighborhood off South National Avenue. More recently, though, it's not been as quiet. 

"The last couple of years, traffic has gotten much heavier," said Damon Harkreater.

Others have noticed the change as well, namely Greene County leaders. 

"People drive Campbell, they see how congested it is.  Highway 65 is more congested, James River Freeway is becoming more congested, and the need to expand is evident," said Greene County Highway Department engineer and assistant administrator Duffy Mooney. 

Residents like Jack Hoke agree they have a problem. 

"I'm sure there is a need for an east-west arterial; I'm just not sure this is the best way," he said. 

That's because solving one traffic problem creates another for Hoke, and many other homeowners along the proposed route. 

"The east-west corridor as they've mapped it goes directly over my house," said Hoke.

The county is quick to point out that this plan -- meant to essentially create a four-lane roadway parallel to James River Freeway -- is nowhere near final.  Something like the $41 million proposal will likely come to fruition, however.

"What we want to do is set that footprint so, as property develops, owners can plan for the corridor," said Mooney.

Many already are planning.  Some say they see the benefits it promises.  

"I think it would relieve a large part of it," Harkreater said of the traffic congestion. 

Still others are looking more immediately at the consequences that they feel they already face. 

"Whether they purchase it now or 20 years in the future is really not a concern because, by mapping it, they force us to disclose it to potential buyers," Hoke said.

The point of a public meeting on Tuesday night was to gather community input.  County officials say they'll take those responses to their plans and try to adjust accordingly.  Officials say they don't have any timeline for acquisition of right of way.