McDonnell Hails First Step in I-66 Widening
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2010
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Governor McDonnell Hails First Step in I-66 Widening
CTB Approves $10.2 Million Contract for First Phase of I-66 Spot Improvements
RICHMOND — Governor McDonnell today hailed the awarding of a contract to begin the process of making spot improvements and widening of sections of I-66 inside the Capital Beltway. During his campaign, McDonnell made transportation a priority and included widening I-66 in his plan to end gridlock, create jobs and get Virginia moving again. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) awarded a $10.2 million contract to complete the first phase of spot improvements on Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway at its meeting in Richmond today.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell noted, “This is an important step forward in improving traffic congestion on I-66 inside the Beltway. In addition, project will improve traveler’s safety along one of Northern Virginia’s major chokepoints. Not only will these improvements make daily commuting easier and significantly safer, but the eventual completion of all three phases of these spot improvements will provide additional emergency evacuation capability if there were a major natural disaster or terrorism event that would require the evacuation of Washington D.C.”
The project will connect the current westbound acceleration/deceleration lane pavement sections between the Fairfax Drive ramp near George Mason Drive and Sycamore Street. The project awarded by the CTB today begins at the Fairfax Drive ramp near George Mason Drive entrance ramp to the westbound roadway of I-66 and ends at the exit ramp to Sycamore Street — a distance of approximately 1.9 miles. The entrance ramp acceleration lane and the exit ramp deceleration lane will be lengthened until they meet to form a continuous auxiliary lane between the two ramps. A new 12-foot wide shoulder will be constructed with full-strength pavement capable of carrying traffic during emergency situations. Current sound walls will not be disturbed as part of this project. Construction is slated to begin in late summer 2010.
Future improvements, not part of this contract, are planned between Haycock Road and Westmoreland Street, and between Lee Highway and Glebe Road. The spot improvements will reduce congestion and travel times during peak periods, and increase safety by lengthening merge areas and reducing risk of stop-and-go accidents.
Awarding this contract had been delayed due to litigation. A recent court decision in the Commonwealth’s favor allows these needed improvements to move forward.
Governor McDonnell promised further action. “This project and the other phases are just the first step forward on addressing congestion on I-66. I will shortly be announcing a comprehensive approach to getting I-66 moving again,” said the governor.
For more information about these I-66 spot improvements and a map, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/i-66_spot_improvements.asp