Republican lawmakers line up against Bob McDonnell's 'outer Beltway'

Six Republican lawmakers banded together Monday to criticize plans by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s administration to build what opponents call an “outer Beltway” through rural Northern Virginia, saying the state’s plan would create a “traffic nightmare” for drivers.

Politicians and about 20 local residents gathered Monday to announce their opposition to the project, which would involve closing portions of Route 234, which cuts through the Manassas National Battlefield Park — a change the opponents said would push more cars to already congested Interstate 66.