The idea of High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate 395 may not be entirely off the table.
Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton supports such toll lanes, and was a major player in finalizing the deal to transform the HOV lanes on I-95 to HOT lanes.
“If HOT lanes are as successful as we think they are going to be, then we will look more at the possibility of adding them to I-395,” said Connaughton.
His comments came less than 24 hours after Arlington County dropped its lawsuit that claimed the state and federal government officials did not complete a full environmental study of the proposed HOT lanesonce considered for I-395.
Last week, state transportation officials announced HOT lanes would be built from Garrisonville Road (Va. 610) to just north of the Capital Beltway in Alexandria.
And unlike in all previous proposals, they would not be extended to Arlington.
“HOT lanes are the only way we are going to be able to add to new capacity to roads in Northern Virginia, especially on 395 where we are unable to widen lanes,” said Connaughton.
As the current focus of the HOT lanes project has shifted south of the Beltway, commuters should expect to see the two current HOV lanes, from Dumfries to just north of the Beltway, re-striped to accommodate three lanes of traffic. Two reversible lanes will then be built from Dumfries to Va. 610.
Construction could begin as early as next year, officials stated.
Riders in vehicles of three or more occupants will be able to use the lanes for free. Single drivers will be given the option to pay a toll to avoid sitting in delays on the highway’s main travel lanes.
