Posted on 07/28/2019 9:46:43 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
A summer getaway along Interstate 95 in Virginia could include extra backups the next few years now that construction is ramping up on a 10-mile extension of the HOV or toll 95 Express Lanes.
Virginia and Transurban, the private builder and operator of the toll lanes, held a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday at the Stafford Regional Airport for the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg extension, a project they believe could significantly alleviate some regular backups from Garrisonville Road to the Rappahannock River.
Until the $565 million project is finished in about three years though, hundreds of workers on the project mean drivers will need to slow down and pay extra attention to the road.
“Travelers need to be aware on I-95, that with the 395 Express Lanes project and the Fredericksburg extension project, they are seeing construction activity all the way from the Potomac River to the Rappahannock River,” said Transurban North America President Jennifer Aument.
Initial work has already been underway for a few months to lay the groundwork to extend the reversible toll lanes 10 miles south to near Route 17, where they will connect to a new through and local lanes setup under construction over the Rappahannock River to Route 3.
Transurban is also adding Express Lanes access at Russell and Old Courthouse roads, and is widening the 1.5-mile single-lane stretch at the current southern end of the lanes.
The widening work also requires the complete reconstruction of bridges over I-95 at American Legion and Truslow roads.
Construction continues on a series of other projects along I-95, too.
“All of us who travel 95 know that summer means brutal traffic backups on I-95, and, thanks to this project, relief is now on the way,” Aument said.
(Excerpt) Read more at wtop.com ...
Toll is just another word for tax.
Yes. I think we should start an ongoing FReeper thread dedicated to thinking up new ways the government can suck money from the public. You know they are. At least this would give us a heads up.
Oh goody! More Lexus lanes!
Toll is not another word for tax.
Toll roads were built by individuals all across the country to allow transport. Ditto bridges and ferries. Entrapraaneurs improved roads and bridhes and charged a fee.
Tolls are a user fee and are as American as apple pie..... from the very beginning
‘But once you hit NC it’s great.’
once you get past Richmond, you’re home free...
However, this is government levying another tax on a road on which you've already been taxed.
Fee
Tag
If it’s anything like the road construction racket in Illinois it will take 10 years for 10 miles and come in triple over budget. A large percentage of the proceeds will flow from the unions to democrat politicians. Rinse and repeat.
Driving down I-95 to Florida is typically horrible from Connecticut to Virginia. But once you hit NC it’s great.
On that drive I avoid 95 before DC. I go through central PA and drive on the weekend. It’s not too bad.
Richmond is a suburb of DC now.
Deport all the illegals and visa overstays and there wouldn’t be such horrible traffic or the need to spend $$$$$ for new roads.
Since the toll payment is your decision, it is not a tax, but a fee. If you chose not to use the road or bridge, do not pay the fee. You make the choice.
Except if taxpayer dollars help build the road or bridge.
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