Many hours have been lost and likely many headaches have been caused for those who regularly drive on Interstate 66 in Northern Virginia. Arguably one of the busiest roads in the country, I-66 is finally about to undergo a major transformation. “Transform I-66: Inside and Outside the Beltway” will be an extensive, multifaceted project with goals of reducing delay times and congestion while increasing travel options, travel speeds and the amount of people moving through the I-66 Corridor.
Running from I-495, which travels along the outskirts of Washington, D.C., to U.S. Route 29 in Rosslyn, “Inside the Beltway” will focus on changing how, what and when drivers are tolled. Solo travelers will have more options when they pay a dynamic toll—likely around $6—that’s determined by the distance they drive. This will be the first major improvement for I-66 inside of the beltway in at least 15 years. New tolling will start during rush hours in 2017.
“Outside the Beltway,” which impacts 25 miles from U.S. Route 15 in Haymarket to the I-495/Capital Beltway, will concentrate on increasing capacity and predictable travel times. Five lanes will be added in each direction, two of which will be express lanes, and bus service will also be provided. This project will be financed through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the private sector under the Public Private Transportation Act (PPTA). Construction is expected to begin in 2017.
A vocal supporter of the project, Governor Terry McAuliffe considers fixing the “broken” I-66 Corridor one of his top priorities.
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