New Tolls on I-66 in Virginia Hit $40 on Day Two

The idea behind congestion pricing is to create at least some disincentive for driving. The new tolls I-66, which reached $34.50 on Monday and $40 on Tuesday, are certainly accomplishing that goal.

1 minute read

December 7, 2017, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


I-66 Virginia

The toll gantries pictured here under construction are now charging drivers to pass. | airbus777 / Flickr

"Tolls on Interstate 66 hit $40 during the Tuesday morning rush, the second day of operation for the new express lanes from the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia to downtown Washington," report Dana Hedgpeth and Luz Lazo.

According to the article, some drivers complained about the rates, but "Virginia transportation officials said the lanes are working exactly as they are supposed to." The state goal of the toll road project, according to Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne, is "moving more people, not more vehicles." The article includes more details about the dynamic tolling on I066 works.

Planetizen last checked in with the I-66 toll plan in October, when Virginia Department of Transportation was putting the word out about Monday's opening. 

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 in The Washington Post

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