Virginia transportation officials for the first time Tuesday announced the price tag for the proposed High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate 95, and said they’re close to a deal to begin construction.
The lanes are expected to cost taxpayers $97 million, and the private firm that will construct and operate the lanes, Fluor-Transurban, $843 million. While all of the workings of a final public-private transportation contract are in place, the state and the private firm have yet to sign the deal but say it, along with the first phases of construction, could begin as early as spring.
“Virginia recognizes it must get the most out of its existing transportation assets and find innovative solutions to move people and freight more efficiently,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton. “With HOT lanes on both the Beltway and I-95, we will create a region-wide network of managed lanes that will enable travelers to get to and from some of Virginia’s most important employment centers and military sites.”
The planned lanes will stretch from Va. 610 in North Stafford to Edsall Road in Alexandria just inside the Capital Beltway, with project calling for the conversion of the existing HOV lanes between Dumfries and Alexandria to toll lanes. An additional two HOT lanes will be constructed from Dumfries to North Stafford, making for a nearly 30-mile transportation facility.
Original plans called for the HOT lanes to continue to the Pentagon, but Arlington officials sued and called the plan short-sighted, forcing state officials in February to acquiesce.
Electronic EZ Passes will be used in lieu of booths to collect tolls, which will vary depending upon traffic congestion in the lanes. Electronic signs will posted along the HOT lanes corridor with current toll rates so drivers can decided whether or not they want to use the facility.
Vehicles with three or more occupants will be able to use the lanes for free as they currently do on the current I-95/395 HOV system.
The new lane will come with an additional $200 million to expand bus service in Fairfax, Prince William, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, as well as 3,000 new commuter parking spaces, officials said. The lanes will be operated by Fluor-Transurban for 73 years and then will be handed back over the state, according to the agreement.
Similar HOT lanes are currently being built on the Beltway from Springfield to Dulles Toll Road, and are scheduled to open late next year.
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(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
