Northern Virginia Transportation Projects Inching Along To Relieve Congestion

In an unexpected development, Governor McAuliffe and the legislature reached a bi-partisan agreement about the future of I-66 inside the Beltway. Following a long standstill between those lobbying for greater road capacity on the crowded roadway and those fearful of losing homes to widening measures, the compromise foregoes the taking of homes. The plan is expected to increase the capacity and movement of traffic long term.

Environmental work will begin immediately to add a third I-66 eastbound lane from the Dulles Connector Road to Ballston. Completion of the lane is expected by late 2019 or early 2020. Once the widening reaches 30 percent of the design phase, tolling will be added on the road.

As part of the compromise, tolling will only be allowed in one direction at a time, during peak travel hours. At such times, travel in the opposite direction will be free. . This solution will allow single-occupant cars to use I-66 inside the Beltway during rush hour which they cannot do now – by paying a toll. Excess toll revenue will be used for multi-modal improvements in the I-66 corridor. HOV-2 drivers will have access to the new lane until 2020. Once I-66 outside the Beltway is complete, the entire roadway will convert to HOV-3. 

IN OTHER TRANSPORTATION NEWS –
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is updating TransAction, the long-range transportation plan for Northern Virginia. This plan will guide regional transportation investments between FY 2018 and FY 2023. There will be opportunities during the coming year for public input. Check your NVAR e-newsletters and nvar.com for information about future hearing dates and workshops.

Mary Beth Coya is the NVAR senior vice president for public & government affairs.