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Monday, March 01, 2010
Bill could allow lawmakers to approve HOT lanes
Virginia House Delegate Robert G. “Bob” Marshall wants state lawmakers to approve the construction of High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate 95 and 395.

The Republican submitted an amendment to a house budget bill which states the General Assembly must approve the any conversion of the HOV lanes, where riders in vehicles of three or more ride free, to toll lanes.

Virginia transportation officials have long been working with Texas-based Flour, Inc., and Australia-based Transurban to all toll lanes to I-95 and 395, between Spotsylvania and Arlington counties. The project was halted late last summer as both companies were having problems finding investors for the project, and a project scope review was initiated.

Under the latest plan, vehicles with three or more passengers would still ride free but single drivers could pay their way out of traffic.

State officials have never said how much single drivers would pay, saying only that electronic transponders would be used to determine the tolls, and drivers would pay by the mile.

Also included in Marshall’s budget amendments is a plan that would allow Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton to extend the hours that drivers could drive on shoulder lanes on I-66, located outside the Capital Beltway, during the morning, and evening rush hours and on weekends.



http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/traffic/comments/bill_could_allow_lawmakers_to_approve_hot_lanes/53050/