Sen. Black and Del. LaRock Introduce I-66 Toll Relief Legislation

Image captured from the 66alliance website.

Submitted by the Office of Del. Dave LaRock

Senator Richard Black, of Prince William and Loudoun County, and Delegate Dave LaRock of Loudoun County announced Thursday they are filing legislation that would provide "desperately-needed" toll relief in Northern Virginia.

If successful, HB 1489 will reduce tolls on Interstate 66 Inside the Beltway (ITB) and the Dulles Toll Road (DTR) by

1. Returning the I-66 ITB tolling period to previous HOV hours (Eastbound 6:30–9 a.m., Westbound 4–6:30 p.m.) until I-66 ITB Eastbound widening project opens (Fall 2020)
2. Activate tolling of reverse commuters on I-66 ITB with revenues to go into the I-66 Commuter Choice program (the NVTC program currently managing I-66 ITB revenue)
3. Refunding I-66 ITB tolls exceeding $200/month until new I-66 ITB Eastbound lane opens
4. Instructing VDOT to form and execute a plan to convert the Dulles Access Road into tolled HOT lanes, with revenue going to buy down tolls on the Dulles Toll Road (DTR)
5. Directing that DTR shall become toll-free by 2030, finally fulfilling a long-standing expectation

“Northern Virginia was already one of the highest-tolled regions in America – now, commuters driving the 36 miles from Leesburg to Washington, DC during peak times travel on three distinct toll roads, paying as much as $53 one-way," Delegate LaRock said. "My constituents call this ‘Highway Robbery,’ and I agree. Tolls this high hurt families, hinder economic growth, and are just unacceptable.”

Sen. Black also pointed to recent problems with the tolling system.

"It’s ironic that the I-66 tolling equipment failed so spectacularly and so quickly. People entering the toll road did so without knowing that the trip would cost $39. These tolls are among the highest in the nation. The new tolling system is not off to a good start," said Black.

Delegate​ Tim Hugo, vice chairman of the House Transportation committee, added his support for the bill saying, “It is essential that we do everything we can to provide relief for commuters; these tolls are way too high.”

Former Delegate Rich Anderson also supports this effort, stating that “I represented a Prince William district in the House that arcs between I-95 in the east and I-66 in the west. This is my home and this tolling hurts the community I ​love dearly. I’m keenly aware that the stratospheric and unprecedented tolls on I-66 completely disregards the will of the people, many of whom are rightfully outraged. I urge my colleagues in the Virginia General Assembly to send to the new governor a slate of proposals that reduces these extravagant tolls to levels that can be afforded by the working families of Virginia.”

Loudoun County Supervisor Ron Meyer said, "We need to make transit a better option, but instead, these tolls simply price people out of their cars and out of employment opportunities. This bill should have strong bipartisan support."

These Republican Virginia legislators are among nine who signed a letter to Gov. McAuliffe in December, requesting relief on Northern Virginia tolls. More information is available at http://www.votelarock.us/issues/toll_relief