It's a Deal: HOT Lanes Project Moves Forward

The Commonwealth of Virginia and Fluor-Transurban reached a $940 million in-principle agreement, and construction of nearly 30 miles of High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate 95 may begin next spring. 

“Through this action, we will put to work nearly $1 billion in private sector investment to address one of Virginia’s most critical transportation needs,” said Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. “The project will bring congestion relief and new travel choices to Northern Virginians. It will also provide an economic boost by supporting nearly 8,000 jobs over the construction period and stimulating $2 billion in economic activity.”  

How can a major project like this get built during a rough economy?

Fluor-Transurban will pay $843 million and Virginia will pay $97 million to build the HOT lanes, which will stretch nearly 30 miles from Edsall Road in Fairfax County to Garrisonville Road in Stafford County.

Fluor will own and manage the HOT lanes for 73 years after construction is complete. Drivers who use HOT lanes will pay a toll with an E-ZPass, and toll prices will fluctuate depending on the time of day and heaviness of traffic, similar to the Inter-County Connector (ICC, Maryland-200) road that opened last month in Maryland.  Some have labeled them "Lexus Lanes" and criticize the 73-year lease.

“Virginia recognizes it must get the most out of its existing transportation assets and find innovative solutions to move people and freight more efficiently,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton. “With HOT lanes on both the Beltway and I-95, we will create a region-wide network of managed lanes that will enable travelers to get to and from some of Virginia’s most important employment centers and military sites.”

The deal was negotiated between Fluor-Transurban, VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley and Virginia’s new Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnerships.