Express toll lane construction set for next spring(VA)

The Washington Times ^ | 9-11-07 | Larry O'Dell

[JZelle]

RICHMOND (AP) — After years of planning, construction will begin next spring on the new express toll lanes on the Capital Beltway, state transportation officials said yesterday.M

The public-private project will cost about $1.7 billion — nearly double the projected cost two years ago — and will be completed in 2013, the Virginia Department of Transportation said.

VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern said the agency has reached an agreement in principle with two private contractors — Transurban DRIVe and Fluor Enterprises — for design, construction, operation and maintenance of the high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. The project is intended to reduce the amount of time that commuters spend on the road in traffic-choked Northern Virginia.

"The project has been under development since 1994, and it is time for action to bring additional congestion relief to residents, visitors and businesses in the region," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said.

The plan calls for the private partners to build 14 miles of HOT lanes — two lanes in each direction — on the Beltway. Vehicles with three or more occupants can use the lanes for free, while those with fewer occupants will be charged tolls based on the level of congestion.

The average toll during rush hour is expected to be $5 to $6. The companies will collect the tolls and manage all operations of the HOT lanes, including repairs and maintenance, although the state will retain ownership and oversight of the lanes.

[DYngbld]

Great more road “improvements” in the DC area. While those of us who sit in traffic everyday in the tidewater area get nothing.

[org.whodat]

Fluor Enterprises

Guess who the major owners are??

[FoxInSocks]

Only $121 million per mile for the Lexus lanes. What a bargain!

[Poundstone]

Thank goodness I live in close-in Arlington VA and don’t have to drive at all to work. I take Metro rail and walk to the station from my house. Federal government pays for the farecard, too!

[elc]

Okay, I’m dumb. Who are the major owners?

[muawiyah]

You guys in Tidewater have been swimming in highway money for years and years while those of us in Northern Virginia not only got nothing, we were forced to pay for your improvements as well as those needed in Wise county (etc.)