Single drivers who travel Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway during peak hours will soon pay tolls.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board today approved a measure that allows for the collection of tolls on that stretch of the highway starting in 2017.
Here’s more from today’s announcement from state officials:
The CTB approved an agreement with the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), in which the Virginia Department of Transportation will deliver and manage the tolling operation, and the NVTC will invest toll revenues in multi-modal improvements to directly benefit users of the corridor. Last week, the NVTC approved its part of the agreement to invest toll revenues.
The expected benefits of the project include the following:
– Reduce more than 26,000 person hours of delay a day by 2040
– Move more than 40,000 additional people through the I-66 corridor a day by 2040
– Provide reliable travel speeds of at least 45 mph during rush hours in the peak direction
– Provide increased travel choices for single-occupant drivers and transit users
Tolling I-66 inside the Beltway has been a contentious topic over the past three months. Residents, and a majority of elected GOP officials spoke out about the plan to toll inside the Beltway and said it would be an unfair tax on commuters.
Tolls will be charged during peak times, according to state officials:
Project description:
– If you carpool today (two or more people in a vehicle), you will continue to ride the lanes for free when dynamic tolling is scheduled to begin in 2017 during morning and evening rush-hours (5:30 am to 9:30 am eastbound and 3 pm to 7 pm westbound). Solo drivers can ride the lanes in exchange for paying a variable toll based on the distance they travel. Average toll is expected to be $6 a trip.
– In 2020, lanes will be free to vehicles with three or more people during rush-hours (carpoolers, vanpools and buses) and motorcycles per adopted regional policy. All others will pay a variable toll.
– The lanes will remain free to all traffic during off-peak periods. There will be no tolling in the reverse commute.
– All of the revenues raised from the tolls will finance transportation improvements in the corridor. Estimated toll revenue in 2018 is $18 million.
– Should traffic not flow better in five years, toll revenues will be used to widen I-66 eastbound from the Dulles Connector Road to Ballston.
The new rule approved today allows money generated from tolls on I-66 inside the Beltway to be spent on a variety of transportation improvement projects.
Virginia State Senators Jennifer Wexton (D-Loudoun) and Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax) told Potomac Local today that money should only be used to widen and improve I-66 inside the Beltway.
Both issued these statements in a press release:
“It’s common sense that the tolls paid by drivers should go to road congestion improvements first” Senator Wexton said from her law office in Leesburg. “Commuters need congestion relief now so they can spend time with their families and not stuck in traffic.”
“What happens inside the Beltway should stay inside the Beltway; if commuters pay a toll on I-66 inside the Beltway then it should used to improve that stretch of highway — not somewhere else,” Senator Petersen said from his law office in Fairfax City.
Recent Stories
Recent protests erupted at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Mary Washington University, drawing attention to various issues ranging from campus safety concerns to social justice grievances. Tensions escalated as demonstrators voiced their demands, prompting discussions about the handling of protests and potential implications for campus communities.
Mason Neck State Park will host the 26th Annual Eagle Festival on May 11 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a hybrid public information meeting Thursday, May 2 on planned innovative intersection improvements along Route 28.
On April 24, 2024, the Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) held its annual Business Appreciation Reception at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.
We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.
We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life with our professional psychotherapy services.
At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need on your journey to mental wellness.
Through personalized therapy sessions, we create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether you’re dealing with past traumas, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and goals.
