Northern Virginia Transportation Commission objects to toll plans

Fairfax County (Map, News) - A regional transportation group is again raising concerns about plans to construct three high-occupancy toll lanes in Virginia.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, which oversees mass-transit issues, is worried that major questions about the project still have not been answered. The commission, which consists of state and local officials, will vote Thursday on whether to formally ask the Virginia Department of Transportation to reschedule three public hearings planned for later this month.

“We understand that many crucial answers to questions posed about the project are not likely to be available at the July public meetings, including safety issues and lane widths, the results of an examination of a bus-only lane, and transit forecasts,” the commission said in a draft copy of a letter it is preparing to send Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer.

At issue is the proposal from two private companies to convert the existing two high-occupancy vehicle lanes on Interstate 95 and I-395 from Dumfries to the Pentagon into three HOT lanes. The prices would vary by the time of day, with motorists paying the most during peak rush-hour times. Vehicles with three passengers, buses and emergency vehicles could use the lanes for free.

The commission wants to ensure the companies are legally committed to preserving mass-transit capabilities during and after construction of the lanes, maintaining safety levels and properly clearing accidents and other traffic jams. Commission members want the lanes, which were built with taxpayer dollars, to remain accessible to mass-transit services once the private companies take over.

The public briefings in question are scheduled for July 23 in Alexandria, July 24 in Arlington, July 25 in Woodbridge, July 26 in Fredericksburg and July 30 in Spotsylvania. Commission members are also concerned that public attendance at the meetings will be low because many interested individuals will be enjoying vacations.

“This is the height of vacation season and our commission is concerned that many individuals who would otherwise participate may be excluded,” the draft letter says.

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com

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