DUMFRIES, Va. — Elected officials in Dumfries had no argument when it comes to opposing tolling on the travel lanes of Interstate 95.
The Town Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to pass a resolution opposing plans to toll the major east coast thoroughfare which runs through the town. The road is also a sticking point for residents who donât like the noise the highway generates.
The federal government last year gave preliminary approval to Gov. Robert F. McDonnellâs plan to toll the highway. Those tolls would raise an estimated $250 million and fund highway improvement and expansion projects like widening I-95 between Richmond and North Carolina, improve road pavement and guardrail improvements statewide, and pay for intelligent transportation systems that would alert drivers to low bridges.
Toll booths could pop up in the Fredericksburg area and at the North Carolina / Virginia border.
“The entire I-95 corridor averages a level of service of ‘D’ and some more urban portions are ‘F’ during peak periods,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton in a press release last year. “This level of service is unacceptable anywhere, let alone on the most traveled corridor in Virginia. The ability to implement tolling will provide the revenues necessary to improve I-95.”
Dumfries officials held no discussion on the matter prior to voting. Town Manager Daniel Taber said Hanover County near Richmond urged all localities along the highway to pass resolutions opposing tolling.
These tolls would be separate from the I-95 Express Lanes project, which will convert existing High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on I-95, from Dumfries to Edsall Road in Alexandria, to toll lanes. The project will also extend those lanes from Dumfries nine miles south to Va. 610 in North Stafford.
On a related note, Virginia is no longer the top state in the county for business because of highway congestion.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno 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 treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
